Welcome to the Community of Saint Elpis
"Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain new comers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." (Hebrews 13:1-2)
St. Elpis Greek Orthodox Church, located in Hopewell, Virginia, is a vibrant and welcoming community of faith that serves the spiritual needs of the Greek Orthodox faithful in the area. With a rich history dating back to its founding in the early 20th century, St. Elpis has played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of Southside Virginia.
The church is dedicated to St. Elpis, also known as St. Hope, a revered saint in the Greek Orthodox tradition who is celebrated for her steadfast faith and unwavering hope in the face of persecution and adversity. The church building itself is a beautiful example of Byzantine-inspired architecture, featuring intricate woodwork, ornate iconography, and a stunning stained glass dome that graces the skyline of Hopewell.
St. Elpis Church is led by a dedicated and knowledgeable clergy, who guide the faithful in their spiritual journey and provide pastoral care and support to those in need. The church also offers a variety of programs, ministries, and philanthropic initiatives that serve the needs of the broader community.
In addition to its regular worship services and religious observances, St. Elpis Church also hosts a number of cultural events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating the rich heritage of Greek Orthodox tradition and fostering a sense of camaraderie and unity among its members.
The Orthodox Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and has maintained a living, historical connection with the Apostolic Church through the ordination of its clergy. The bishop that ordains an Orthodox priest today can trace his ordination historically all the way back to the Apostles, and through them to Christ. For this reason we are “apostolic” – rooted in the first Apostles – the disciples of Jesus.
We are also apostolic because we believe our calling is to go out and share our faith with others. For this reason, we welcome you to visit the Orthodox Christian parish in your neighborhood or town.
Although our parishes may carry a designation of Greek Orthodox or Russian Orthodox or some other ethnic identity, this does not imply that you need to be of a certain ethnic origin to join us in worship or to consider becoming an Orthodox Christian.
Experience the Life of our Parish Community in the following ways:
Sources
A Brief Introduction to the Orthodox Church. www.goarch.org. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. August 10, 2016.
http://www.goarch.org/-/a-brief-introduction-to-the-orthodox-church.
“The Orthodox Christian Church: Your Spiritual Home”
www.goarch.org, https://www.goarch.org/introduction.