Dozens received into Orthodox Church at American parishes on Lazarus Saturday

U.S.A., April 16, 2025

Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Kernersville, North Carolina. Photo: Facebook

Holy Orthodoxy has seen a surge in the number of converts in America in recent years. And with the end of Lent and the arrival of Holy Week, traditional times for receiving catechumens into the Church, several mass Baptisms and Chrismations have been reported.

Several churches celebrated Baptisms and Chrismations on Lazarus Saturday, allowing the newly illumined to fully participate in Holy Week as Orthodox Christians.

At Holy Cross Orthodox Church in Kernersville, North Carolina (Orthodox Church in America), 25 catechumens were brought into the Church, reports rector Fr. Christopher Foley.

This parish community has grown steadily over the years and recently moved into and Orthodox church consecrated in North Carolina’s Triad RegionThe consecration marks the culmination of a journey that began in 2005 when a small group of families first established the mission to serve the Piedmont Triad area with English-language Orthodox services.

“>consecrated its own church building.

St. Seraphim Cathedral in Santa Rosa, California. Photo: Facebook

Another 25 were baptized the same day at St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral in Santa Rosa, California (Orthodox Church in America), where Fr. Lawrence Margitich serves as rector.

Holy Mother of God Church in Georgetown, Texas. Photo: Facebook

At the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church in Georgetown, Texas (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia), 9 people were baptized by Fr. Moses McPherson.

The parish has another roughly 65 catechumens who are still preparing to be baptized. The community recently purchased a $2 million mansion and property to build a new church and Orthodox center north of Austin. Texas parish purchases mansion and property to develop Orthodox center—donate to the cause (+VIDEO)Like many other churches in America, the Holy Mother of God Orthodox Church, currently in Georgetown, Texas, has experienced significant growth in recent years and outgrown its current building, which it moved into just three and a half years ago.

“>See here to learn more and contribute to the cause.

OrthoChristian recently reported on mass reception services at Greek churches in Mass Baptism at Greek church in Australia, where Orthodoxy is quickly growingAccording to 2016-2021 census data, Orthodoxy is the fasting growing denomination, with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia coming in as the fastest growing among the Orthodox jurisdictions.

“>Australia and England: Nearly 200 newly illumined at Greek church in HatfieldA truly glorious event took place on Lazarus Saturday, April 12, at Twelve Apostles Greek Orthodox Church in Hatfield, Hertfordshire County, England.”>England.