Our Building Fund
Our small community of Orthodox Christians received word during the Lenten season of 2007 that the rental space, indeed, the entire block, which we had occupied for many years was being sold for redevelopment. Our mission was left with no choice but to move, and we had no where to go. The local Roman Catholic archdiocese in Tuscaloosa was gracious enough to allow us to use a little-used chapel on the west side of town, St. John the Theologian church, until we could find a place of our own.
While worshipping at St. John's, our community continued to look for a place of our own. After many months of being discouraged by the real estate market in Tuscaloosa, our prayers for a place of our own were answered. Between the patronal feast of our parish, and the feast of the Three Holy Hierarchs, we received word that a building we had looked at previously (and had dismissed for lack of funds) was still available, and the owners were willing to go much lower on the price. On March 23, 2008, St. Gregory the Theologian Mission celebrated its first divine liturgy in our new building.
All the happiness of having a place of our own aside, our bid on the building and property--2.9 acres--was as much a leap of faith as an investment in the future of Orthodoxy in Tuscaloosa. Our mortgage on the building, which had been vacant for more than five years and is in need of extensive renovation, is substantial. If you can in any way help, your donation will be greatly appreciated.