Parish Life

The life of an Orthodox parish is centered upon the divine services, prayer, and participation in the Holy Mysteries. Here the faithful gather as one family in Christ, to glorify God, to be strengthened in the faith, and to support one another on the path of salvation.

At the heart of our parish life stands the Divine Liturgy, from which the faithful draw spiritual strength. In fraternal fellowship and in common labors, the believers are united by the bonds of love in Christ, striving to fulfill the commandments of the Gospel and to preserve the Patristic tradition.

Celebration of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos

On Sunday, September 21, 2025, the Orthodox faithful of the city of Dallas reverently celebrated their parish feast — the Nativity of our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

The festive Divine Liturgy was led by the parish rector, Priest Ioann Kovach, together with Archpriest Hennadii Kravchuk.

During the divine service the temple was filled with a multitude of worshippers, who “with one mouth and with one heart” glorified the Mother of God. The heightened spirit of prayer and the reverent silence within the church bore witness to the living faith and deep love of the faithful for their Heavenly Protectress.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Father Ioann addressed the flock with a pastoral word, offering heartfelt thanks to all parishioners and guests for their common prayer. He congratulated all on the radiant feast and emphasized the special significance of this day for the parish, for the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos is its patronal celebration.

The festal day concluded with the brotherly fellowship of the faithful, who shared the joy of the temple’s feast, being strengthened by the grace of God and by the intercession of the All-Pure Virgin Mary.

Baptism of the Servant of God Robert

On May 18, 2025, our parish of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Dallas rejoiced in the celebration of the Holy Mystery of Baptism, through which the servant of God Robert was united to the Body of Christ and sealed with the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Baptism in the Orthodox Church is not merely a symbolic rite, but a Sacrament instituted by the Lord Himself, when He commanded His disciples: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit” (Matthew 28:19). On this blessed day, the holy words of the Savior were once again fulfilled in our parish, as Robert was brought into the life of grace and clothed in Christ.

The day was a celebration not only for Robert and his family, but for the entire parish community. All present were moved to recall their own Baptism, the vows once made, and the continual calling to live as children of the Light. Truly, as the Apostle declares: “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

We give thanks to Almighty God for the gift of the blessed rebirth of a new member in Christ. May the Most Holy Theotokos, the Heavenly Protectress of our parish, guard and keep the newly-illumined servant of God Robert all the days of his life, granting him faith, steadfastness, and love for Christ and His Holy Church.

The Radiant Feast of the Resurrection of Christ — Holy Pascha 2025

On Sunday morning, April 20, 2025, the faithful of the parish of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in Dallas gathered to celebrate the greatest feast of the Orthodox Church — the Bright Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

The temple, filled with the people of God, resounded with joyful expectation. With prayer and reverence we welcomed the dawn of the new day — the Day of the Resurrection — “the Feast of Feasts and the Triumph of Triumphs.”

The divine service began with the victorious Paschal proclamation: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”

With radiant hearts the faithful sang the hymns of the Resurrection, greeting one another with the eternal words: “Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!” The Holy Gospel was proclaimed, once again bearing witness to the victory of Christ over death, and the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in an atmosphere of luminous joy. The open Royal Doors reminded all that through Christ’s Resurrection, Heaven itself has been opened to mankind.

Following the divine service, the priest blessed the Paschal foods prepared by the parishioners — kulichi, paskhas, colored eggs, and other offerings of love — sprinkling them with holy water. The faithful themselves were also sprinkled, as a visible sign of the renewal and joy granted by the Resurrection. Children, families, and all who were gathered received this blessing, their faces shining with Paschal joy.

Thus, in Dallas, together with the whole Orthodox world, we bore witness to the eternal truth: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

The Life and Witness of Bedig Minassian

Among the many blessings of our parish of Saint Theotokos in Dallas is the quiet yet powerful witness of those who live their lives in service to Christ and neighbor. One such example is our beloved parishioner Bedig Minassian, founder of the Mother Holding Child (ALOUUM), whose dedication to helping those in need has become a shining light to our community.

The Gospel teaches us that the essence of Christian life is love expressed in action. “I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed Me” (Matthew 25:35). In these words of the Lord, we find the measure of true discipleship. Bedig Minassian has taken these words to heart and has sought, not in theory but in practice, to live them every day.

Whether through quiet acts of generosity, a word of encouragement to the lonely, or material support for those who struggle, Bedig has consistently placed the needs of others before his own. His kindness is not limited by boundaries — he assists both those within our parish and those in the wider community, reflecting the teaching of the Apostle Paul: “As we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).

Many of his deeds remain unseen, hidden from the eyes of the world. Yet this is precisely the way of Christ, who taught us: “When you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you” (Matthew 6:3–4). In this spirit, Bedig’s service is not for recognition, but flows from a genuine heart of mercy.

His life bears witness to the truth that holiness is not only found in monasteries or on the pages of the lives of saints, but also in the daily lives of faithful Orthodox Christians who walk humbly with their God. For our parish, his example serves as both encouragement and reminder: that each of us, in our own way, is called to embody Christ’s love through service, charity, and compassion.

We give thanks to God for the presence of Bedig Minassian in our parish family. His devotion and generosity strengthen the bonds of our community and inspire us to greater faithfulness. May the Lord, who is rich in mercy, grant him many years of health and strength, and may the Most Holy Theotokos cover him with her protecting veil.

Through such lives, the light of Christ continues to shine in the world — a light that cannot be hidden, but illumines all who draw near.

To God be the glory for all things.