The Blessing of Zoe House
Armerican Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the U.S.A. – March 2016
PARMA, OHIO [Zoe For Life] — Friday, March 4th, 2016 is a day that we will cherish to our last breath! Five jewels in the crown of Orthodoxy came together at ZOE House. They came in spiritual unity to bless ZOE House, and the work and volunteers of ZOE for Life! Metropolitan Savas of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, Metropolis of Pittsburgh, Bishop Daniel of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA, Bishop Gregory of the American Carpatho-Russian Orthodox Diocese of the USA, Archbishop Nathaniel of the Orthodox Church in America, Romanian Orthodox Episcopate, and Bishop Paul Orthodox Church in America Diocese of Chicago, met with local clergy in brotherly affection to rejoice with us in our new home.
Our beloved Hierarchs arrived at 4:30 at the new site for ZOE House, 5454 State Road in Parma, Ohio. At 5:00 they ate together with our Board of Directors, the ambiance of which was like sitting at the family table. It was as though we had known one another forever, truly brothers and sisters.
How very gracious they were. They asked what they could do for us, and told us we make them look good! Can you imagine? We told them our history, talked about our first Chapter in Michigan, and of our hopes and dreams to create a ZOE Women’s Center, where limited obstetrical ultrasounds, peer counseling and post abortion healing programs, would be available at no cost to our clients. The startup costs are estimated at $250,000, but we are taking a leap of faith. If the Lord is with us, who can be against us?
At 6:30 we left the dinner table to greet our guests. We had an absolutely amazing turnout! Thanks to the many women and men who baked, there was plenty to eat! 7:00 brought our House Blessing Service, written specifically for this occasion by His Eminence Metropolitan Savas. Our loving Hierarchs each raised their voices in prayer that our Lord and Savior would bless ZOEHouse and the work of the hands of His servants.
Someone commented that we couldn’t stop smiling, and they were right! What joy filled ZOE House that evening, joy in Christ!
God grant that our work may always bring glory to His Holy Name.
