On Sunday, August 9th, 2015, the feast of the Greatmartyr and Healer Panteleimon, the church of Sts. Sergius & Herman of Valaam in Houghton had the joyful opportunity to give thanks to God. The mortgage was paid off and the property can now be handed over into the trustful hands of the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America. The dean of Michigan, Fr. Gregory Joyce lead the Thanksgiving Moleben after the Divine Liturgy. After the services the mortgage paper was burned by the starosta, Lynn Gierke, and the parish rector, Hieromonk Alexander, with the help of others present and the careful supervision of the dean.

This is a big step in the life of the church and gives us now also the opportunity to re-invite everyone to join us for the Great Consecration of our temple on September 23/24. Please visit http://ss-sergius-herman-valaam.org/greatconsecration.html to register.