The altar feast at any church, whether large or small, is a time of much preparation and great joy. The altar feast of St John Chrysostom Church in House Springs, Missouri, on November 26, was no exception.

In the days leading up to the feast, both children and adults spent hours cleaning the church, hall, and kitchen, as well as polishing the candle stands and creating flower arrangements to adorn the main icon of Holy Hierarch John Chrysostom and fill the temple throughout with vases of flowers.

The Divine Services were led by Archpriest Sergii Alekseev, with Priest Thomas Nichols and Deacons Ephraim Galloway and Daniel Simpson concelebrating. The choir, which sang prayerfully both at the Vigil and the Divine Liturgy, was directed by Giorgi Sakhelashvili. The remote location of the church and strong winds affected the number of the faithful praying at the Vigil. The next day the weather became even more challenging, with winds growing stronger. Surprisingly, despite these challenges, worshipers filled the temple, many of whom partook of the Mysteries of Christ. Following the Prayer Behind the Amvon, the traditional Cross Procession took place, culminating in a moleben to the heavenly protector of the temple and Many Years being intoned for the ailing Archpriest Christopher Stade and his relatives, the church warden Mark Wiebenga, the choir director, singers, laborers, and benefactors of the holy temple.

The festivities continued during the fellowship in the church hall where the Sisterhood prepared many dishes warming both body and soul.