The small Episcopal Church in Susanville, CA, was the setting for the patronal feast of St. Mary of Egypt Orthodox Mission on Saturday, April 4, 2009. Some 15 Orthodox Christians and one inquirer were present as Fr Michael Spainhoward, who will be caring for the mission, served the Divine Liturgy. The mission was founded by Metropolitan JONAH when he was abbot of St. John of Shanghai Monastery in Manton, CA.

Following the festal liturgy, a celebratory banquet was held at The Sage Hen restaurant. At the banquet Fr Michael presented a tabernacle to the mission that had been given to him by the Archpriest Leonid Palceski and the faithful of Holy Cross Orthodox Church, Olga, Florida. “Fr Leonid gave me this tabernacle for use in Chico. However, when I arrived I discovered the mission there already had one. When the opportunity to serve St Mary of Egypt Mission came, and knowing that you were starting from scratch, I thought this tabernacle could nave no better home than this. The only thing I ask is that you pray for us in Chico and for the faithful at Holy Cross Church in Florida.”

The mission meets on the third Saturday of each month at 10:00 a.m. at the Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, 1155 North Street in Susanville, and meets for bible study, catechism, and reader services at other times in various members homes. For more information regarding the mission contact Gail Cramer at email hidden; JavaScript is required.

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