The Dedication Committee, chaired by Mrs. Helen Nicozisis, OCMC staff headed by Executive Director Fr. Martin Ritsi, and Board Members were honored to receive 10 hierarchs from all the Orthodox Jurisdictions represented in the Standing Conference of the Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) as well as over 300 clergy and lay people from around the world.

The night before, a reception was held at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village; OCMC Board President, Mr. Clifford Argue opened the evening by welcoming many of these distinguished guests after an Invocation from Metropolitan Nicholas of Amissos, of the American Carpatho Russian Orthodox Diocese in the USA, assisted by Fr. Mark Arey, General Secretary of SCOBA.

Following Mr. Argue’s remarks, OCMC Missionary to Albania Mr. Nathan Hoppe offered his reflections on the past, present and future of the OCMC. “With this new center we are equipped in a new way to reach out and to powerfully proclaim that Christ is truly risen and that He has transformed all of reality.”

Two men, however, were recognized for their pivotal roles in the growth of the Orthodox Missions movement. His Beatitude Anastasios, Archbishop of Tirana, Durres and All Albania, and His Eminence Demetrios, Primate of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America and Chairman of SCOBA, who were the honorees during the dedication. Addressing the two prelates, Board member Fr. Matthew Tate shared, “your missionary efforts throughout the Church truly are legendary, and it is most appropriate that the Mission Center building be dedicated in each of your names.”

The new building will prove to be a vital resource in the continuation of this work. Broader understanding and support of missions, however, is still needed, reminded keynote speaker, OCMC Board Vice President and Chancellor of St. Vladimir’s Seminary Fr. Chad Hatfield.

At the banquet, OCMC was honored to receive a $25,000 donation from the Greek Orthodox Ladies Philoptochos Society, presented by National President Aphrodite Skeadas.

Dedication proceedings were held immediately after next morning’s Liturgy. The Ceremony included a blessing service celebrated by Archbishop Demetrios. Following the service, a hand painted icon of the Mission Center’s patron saints, Cyril and Methodius, was presented by Archbishop Demetrios from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.Then OCMC was blessed to receive the relics of two of Orthodoxy’s most renowned missionary saints, Cosmas Aitolos, Missionary to the Balkans, presented by Archbishop Anastasios, and St. Innocent, Apostle to America, presented by His Beatitude Jonah, Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA). Following a ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling, guests took time to venerate the relics and tour the new 12,000 square foot facility.

The Orthodox Christian Mission Center (OCMC) is the official missions agency of the Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA) dedicated to fulfilling Christ’s last command to make disciples of all nations.