On Monday, August 8, St. Jacob of Alaska Orthodox Christian Mission celebrated its Second Pascha, the Feat of St. Jacob Netsvetov, at its home in Downtown Ishpeming, in Marquette County. Before the festal Divine Liturgy, Priest Jesse Rimshas baptized the mission’s first two converts, a married couple who took the names Micah and Tatiana.

It was a wonderful reunion with old friends, with Acting Rector Archpriest Gregory Joyce served as chief celebrant at the Divine Liturgy and Priest Micah Chisholm and Priest Jesse Rimshas concelebrating. One former parishioner traveled from Wisconsin.

St. Jacob of Alaska Mission has had an exciting and challenging journey. The mission held its opening Moleben on Sunday, August 8, 2021, at venue space at Northern Michigan University. They started meeting in this space every other week, taking icons, stands, and a large wooden cross with them and packing up after services. Most of the time they did not have a priest to serve, and instead Deacon Jesse led Readers’ Vespers and Sunday Typica services, always followed by a meal offsite (usually at a local coffee shop who lent the meal space).

It was hard work for everyone to set up and tear down for the services in every kind of weather, but St. Jacob’s grew over time. After a long search, in March 2022 a suitable property was found in Downtown Ishpeming, just 15 minutes west of Northern Michigan University. Located on the main floor of an old middle school, the mission now has a chapel, a large kitchen, and Great Hall suitable for meals and other events. A large sign for the property has just been ordered.

Archbishop Peter ordained Deacon Jesse Rimshas a priest on July 12 of this year, so after many months of only occasional access to the Holy Mysteries the faithful of St. Jacob’s now enjoy weekly Divine Liturgies. The mission continues to grow.

St. Jacob’s still lacks an iconostasis.

It is Fr. Jesse’s hope that soon this might be soon rectified as the mission continues its journey.

If you would like to help support St. Jacob of Alaska Orthodox Christian Mission, please click here to donate online or contact fr.jesse@marquetteorthodox.org.