The Orthodox Church in America opened a new chapel in Omaha earlier this month.
Approximately 35 worshippers attended the first Divine Liturgy at the St. Tikhon Chapel in Omaha on Saturday, November 8, the feast of the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the Other Bodiless Powers, reports the Diocese of Chicago and the Midwest.
The chapel originated when a group of Orthodox faithful in Omaha recognized the need for an OCA presence in the city. Several existing Orthodox parishes in Omaha—including Greek, Serbian, and Antiochian congregations, as well as an Antiochian Western Rite parish—have been experiencing record numbers of inquirers and approaching capacity. The group met with diocesan leadership and petitioned Abp. Daniel to accept them under his care.
Archbishop Daniel welcomed the community into the diocese at the beginning of November, naming the chapel in honor of St. Tikhon, Enlightener of North America and Patriarch of Moscow.
Fr. Joseph Winsler celebrated the Liturgy on November 8, with Archpriest Herman Kincaid, the diocesan chancellor, present for the occasion. Following the service, Fr. Herman read an archpastoral decree from His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest formally establishing the chapel as a canonical parish under his episcopal care.
The community gathered for a meal after the Liturgy, during which Fr. Herman discussed the relationship between the diocese and the chapel with the community and outlined future steps.
The St. Tikhon Chapel is the OCA’s second parish in Nebraska, joining St. John of Kronstadt Church in Lincoln.
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