The mission of Ss Cyril and Methodius in Chico, CA, achieved another milestone on Sunday, September 27, when Bp Benjamin blessed the new chapel. Some sixty Orthodox Christians including Archpriest Thomas Renfree and Hieromonk Alexander (Lisenko) joined Priest Michael Spainhoward, rector, and the faithful in what were once the garage, a spare bedroom, and a small classroom that had been transformed by the grace of God and the hard work of many parishioners into a beautiful chapel. The new chapel now allows the faithful to worship in a space that is properly oriented and appointed with room to grow. The remodel was completed with 100% volunteer labor.

The mission had been worshiping and growing in a living-room/chapel for many years. Very often the faithful would overflow the room and spill down the hallway and into the trapeza. The previous altar was located in an alcove off the living-room and was tiny. The experience was described once as “serving in a phone booth”. Serving in the new altar seems almost as if one is serving in a cathedral. When the final service was held in the old chapel, there were many warm memories shared and plenty of tears shed.

Following the blessing and divine liturgy, the bishop and faithful enjoyed a bountiful agape meal with entertainment provided by some of the very talented parishioners of the mission.