Mother of God Mission Celebrates Opening of New Church

9/2/16-OCA

His Eminence, Archbishop Michael presided at ribbon cutting ceremonies at the newly completed Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” Mission, Princeton, NJ, January 29-30, 2016.

The parish is the spiritual home to over 50 faithful who for years had been worshipping in rented facilities, most recently at Princeton Day School.

“We’re almost there,” said Archpriest Peter A. Baktis, who was assigned Rector last March.  “When I got here I inherited the building project, which started more than five years ago.  It was a shell.  But we’ve raised money and were able to complete the interior.  The big work has been site work — digging a drainage ditch, grading, asphalt, that kind of thing.”

Initially planted in Rocky Hill, NJ in 1998, the mission purchased the property at 904 Cherry Hill Road in Princeton.  “We were going to convert a house, but the project was expanded,” Father Peter said.  “The foundation of the house was enlarged, and that made the church deeper.

“I came to Princeton with no historical understanding of the community at all.  I came with an open mind,” Father Peter continued.  “And it has been wonderful.  It’s a challenge to finish a product, especially coming in halfway through!”

With the building project drawing to a close, Father Peter said focus will turn to programs, services, and Bible study.  Two annual symposia—in the fall and the spring—are in the planning stages.  “We’re looking for a topic that would be of interest to the greater Princeton area,” Father Peter said.  “We want to do a weekend with a keynote and other speakers.  We’re also interested in doing outreach to the community, particularly in Trenton.”

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