We are an American Orthodox parish in the Diocese of the West of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and our services are entirely in English. A growing Christian community of people from various backgrounds, we share a common commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ, to each other and to the Apostolic Faith. Most of us, more than 95% of us, are Orthodox converts, and we warmly welcome families, couples and all those looking for a deeper experience of the salvation offered in Christ our God. Is there a meeting of Heaven and earth? Come and see.
The view from our new cross, looking toward the Columbia River estuary.
And with Christ, man’s nature ascends also.
“We who seemed unworthy of the earth, are now raised to heaven,” says Saint John Chrysostom.
“The terrible ascent....” Terror-stricken and trembling stand the angelic hosts, contemplating the Ascension of Christ. And trembling they ask each other, “What is this vision? One who is man in appearance ascends in His body higher than the heavens, as God.”
Thus the Office for the Feast of the Ascension depicts the mystery in a poetical language. As on the day of Christ’s Nativity the earth was astonished on beholding God in the flesh, so now the Heavens do tremble and cry out...
—V Rev Georges Florovsky, DD, on the Orthodox Church in America website, oca.org
SAINT BRENDAN'S PRAYER
Shall I cast away, King of the Mysteries, my ease?
Shall I turn my back homeward, my face to the seas?
Shall I place myself wholly in your hands bereft
Of both silver and horse, on the Ocean adrift
In a boat? Shall I cast myself wholly on you?
Without sword— without shield— lacking drink— with no food?
Shall I let go my homeland and take up your yoke?
Shall I cry out in anguish lest you be provoked
At my sins? With the tear runlets streaking my face
Shall the prints of my knees on the strand be the trace
Of the last prayer I offer from my native land?
Shall I bleed in the sea’s wringing out of a man?
O my Christ of High Glory, shall I of free will
Go to sea? Will you aid me against the wild swell?
Do You Have Questions About the Orthodox Faith?
And/or are you interested in finding out how to become an Orthodox Christian? If so, we say glory to God! We suggest attending a few services and then contacting us.
If you live outside of the general vicinity of Astoria, Oregon, find an Orthodox Church near you.
