Our Story
St. Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church began back in 1991. Fr. Nicodemos Gayle generously opened his home to serve as the first church site. Along with his wife, Presbytera Lydia, and their three children, they became the very first members of our beloved parish. Over the years, we’ve blossomed into a vibrant community of 21 families from all around the U.S.
In our quest for a more permanent home, we found a charming little country house in Hanover County, not far from Richmond, VA. We were thrilled to celebrate our first Liturgy there in the summer of 1994! Thanks to the kindness of an anonymous donor, we kicked off a building fund that allowed us to make some much-needed improvements, including adding an extension and giving our Temple ceiling a beautiful vaulted look. With contributions from our community, we also acquired a stunning new Iconostasis, fresh carpeting, paint, and lovely hardwood flooring. By August 2004, our building project was complete, and we joyfully celebrated St. Seraphim’s Summer Feast with brothers and sisters in Christ from across the country.
However, in October of 2007, we faced a heartbreaking challenge when a tragic fire nearly destroyed our church building along with everything inside. Neighbors had called Father Nicodemos and by the time he had arrived at 1:00 AM that morning, he could see the flames rising from the building from a mile-and-a-half away.
As the parishioners gathered together for services behind the still smoldering building; we began to realize that it is WE that are the Parish, NOT the building. As long as our love for each other and our dear Saviour remained strong, St. Seraphim’s little church in the country would remain!
Like gold refined by fire, we discovered some remarkable blessings despite the loss. While most of the church’s contents were gone, the Holy Table in the Altar remained intact along with the Gospel and antimension. Miraculously, even though the floor around it had collapsed, the relics were unharmed. Just 20 feet from the hottest part of the fire, Father’s vestments and holy vessels on the prothesis table survived unscathed! It felt like St. Seraphim was watching over us, ensuring that we could continue our services.
The new building was designed with care and reverence, featuring stunning stonework on the outside that blended beautifully with the natural surroundings. As you approach the church, you can’t help but feel a sense of peace and sanctuary. Inside, the high vaulted ceilings create an atmosphere of grandeur and spirituality, inviting all who enter to lift their hearts in prayer.
One of the most exciting aspects of our rebuilding project was the addition of breathtaking frescoes that adorn the walls. These vibrant icons tell the stories of the faith, showing us the lives of Christ and the saints.
Through God’s Grace, our parish keeps growing. Come experience the beauty of our worship services, the warmth of our fellowship, and the joy of growing in faith together. We believe that every person adds a unique thread to the tapestry of our parish, and we would love for you to be a part of our journey towards Jesus Christ.