pan-orthodox

Learning to Laugh

God came to challenge us to keep growing no matter what our age. (Matt. 5:48) As we celebrate Pascha/Easter, we learn what it really means to follow Jesus. We realize that He suffered for us and through His resurrection our lives can be filled with life and hope. We are called to follow with hope. Here in Tijuana, we are surrounded by plenty of tragedy for this reason the Mexican government asked us to open “Casa Cuna San Felipe,” Casa Cuna is Spanish for Infant Orphanage.

In October of last year we received our first infant, little Felipe. We loved him. We held him. We fed him. He learned how to smile and laugh for the first time and was adopted by a loving Mexican family in January of this year. These infants and toddlers, who were abandoned, learn to do their Orthodox cross, kiss icons and sing to Jesus. Laughter emanates from the Casa Cuna. These joyous little ones know that Jesus loves them because now they have a home.

Currently, we care for 27 boys, one infant and four toddlers. St. Paul encourages us to live a life of purpose, patience, perseverance, and faith. (2 Tim. 3:10-15) As missionaries of the Good News we strive to live the Gospel by upholding the life of Christ through compassion and love. This endeavor is easier said than done when you have an infant crying, two toddlers fighting and three teenagers making fun of you.

The Orthodox team here in Tijuana is not perfect but it is our goal to learn from the lessons of the ministry so to grow closer to Jesus. The Church community of St. Innocent Orphanage allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We also have access to the Sacramental Life. In tears we confess our sins. With hope we lift up our voices to praise God. And in gratefulness, we receive Holy Communion, the Eucharist, the flesh and blood of God. We are becoming one with Jesus through caring for His little ones.

• Repurposed a dormitory to house five female long-term missionaries

• Installed two new icons in the Orphanage Chapel

• Purchased land to build a new church outside of the Orphanage for the people of Tijuana

• Remodeled the intern dorm so we could begin caring for six infants

• Completed 60% of the infant orphanage which will house up to 15 children from newborns to toddlers

Like the mustard tree, Project Mexico has become a place where children can find refuge, where young adults can discover God’s purpose for them, and where Mexican families can receive help in order to rise out of homelessness. Jesus Christ was sent by His Father and hung on the tree for us. That tree is the cross and is the vehicle that brings life. Now, at the St. Innocent Orphanage & Project Mexico, the tree is growing and we all are becoming more like Jesus. Therefore, let us celebrate Pascha/Easter, rise to the occasion and learn to always put our hope in God.

Christmas at St Innocent Orphanage

A joyous celebration of Christmas at St Innocent Orphanage

The Spirit of Christ is alive at St Innocent Orphanage during Christmas

Christmas at Project Mexico & St Innocent Orphanage 2022 (Hi-Def, 4k) In this heartwarming video and photo collage, the staff and children of Project Mexico and St Innocent Orphanage in Baja Mexico celebrate Christmas and all its blessings at the only 100% donor-supported Orthodox Orphanage in North America. Because of the efforts of our generous donors, we were able to surpass our $200,000 Annual Matching Grant goal of 2022. This will ensure that the children of St Innocent Orphanage are provided with the best care, education and support they need to be successful.

Fellowship in Arizona by Pres Maria Margaritas

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I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.
— Philippians 4:13 

The 7th Annual Arizona Walk for Missions took place Saturday, April 21, 2018, at Kiwanis Park, in Tempe, AZ. This is truly a Pan-Orthodox event. It is run by Pan-Orthodox Christians and supported by Pan-Orthodox clergy. This year’s attendance hosted 58 walkers, participating from eight different parishes from across Arizona.

Proceeds benefit both Project Mexico and OCMC.

This project began seven years ago under the direction of Antonia Adams Clement. Antonia, and a committee of representatives from varying Orthodox Churches, from multiple jurisdictions, representing the entire state of Arizona, came together and through the Orthodox Christian Mission Center Ambassador Program, they discovered that 26 Orthodox Christians from Arizona had served the Church as missionaries abroad.

Through this program the fellowship began sharing their experiences and decided to support Project Mexico through funding tutors for our boys at St. Innocent Orphanage.  Speaking to the Arizona Clergy Council (Antiochian, Coptic, Greek, OCA and Romanian member organizations), each parish selected a representative and the Arizona Walk for Missions was born.

I was excited to represent Project Mexico this year. On the day of the walk, an opening prayer was delivered by His Grace Bishop Daniel (OCA) of Santa Rosa. Clergy in attendance included Fr. David Balmer and Fr. Deacon John Weiss, Sts. Peter and Paul, OCA, Phoenix; Fr. Michael Pallad, St. Haralambos (Greek), Peoria; Fr. Thomas Frisby, Exultation of the Holy Cross, (Romanian), Phoenix; Fr. Andre Paez, St. John the Evangelist, OCA, Tempe; along with Protaisa Laurel Frisby.  Board Member, John Hrapchak represented OCMC. This was truly a beautiful day to share our ministries and participate in Pan-Orthodox fellowship while enjoying a 2.5-mile walk.

Arizona is an amazing place to visit in the spring. We encourage you to participate in next year’s Arizona Walk for Missions! Contact us if you or your community are interested in starting a walk for missions of your own.  A huge Thank You to Antonia Adams Clement, lead coordinator and her committee, for their love and support.