About Us
St. Mark was founded in 1980 and is a parish of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA), Diocese of the Midwest.
Our Hierarch & Pastor
His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel
Archbishop of Chicago & the Midwest
V. Rev. John Baker
Rector
The Parish Council
The Parish Council helps to foster and encourage a properly functioning church community. Members assist the priest to ensure that the finances are in order and the temple and grounds are maintained.
Those selected for participation on the Parish Council pledge the following before God and the people to do their best to serve as examples to all in the community for living the mystical life in Christ:
Having been elected to the parish council of St Mark Orthodox Christian Church, we solemnly promise to Almighty God, before His Holy Gospel and Lifecreating Cross, that we will zealously, honestly, voluntarily, and with diligence and the fear of God, fulfill the duties of our office according to the Holy Tradition of the Church, the Statute of the Orthodox Church in America, and the by-laws of this parish, not for personal interest, but to the glory of God, the welfare of His Holy Church, and eternal salvation, remembering that for all of this we will give an answer before the Judgment Seat of Christ.
We promise to look after the cleanliness and adornment of the holy temple, and to uphold the pursuit of peace, tranquility, and Christian love among the brethren of this parish community.
In witness of this, my solemn promise, I kiss the Holy Gospel and Lifecreating Cross of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Scott Wassell
Council President
Stephen Lionas
Council Vice President
Scout Andruchow
Church Admin
Nora Creek
Building & Grounds
Steve Johnson
Treasurer
Andrew Wassell
Choir Director
Dan Drahushak
Secretary
Kirk Williams
Corresponding Secretary
Carmen Sinutko
Ministries & Outreach
Ana Nazarko
Children's Ministry
Jake Wiles
Financial Secretary
Enils Mertika
Webmaster
Children's Programs
The Christian Education for our children is a priority at our parish. We offer several different programs children's programs throughout the year. We now offer the montessori based program, Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for our youngest children, Sunday School, Vacation Church School and other Retreats throughout the year. Our goal is to educate our children in their Holy Orthodox Faith and prepare them for a life of service in the Church.
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it." (Proverbs 22:6)
Liturgical Life
"And so God, through worship, stretches out towards me, and I, through prayer, stretch out towards Him, until our total union comes about."
~ Elder Aimilianos of Simonopetra
| Sunday | Divine Liturgy | 9am |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Vespers | 6pm |
| Thursday | Divine Liturgy | 8am |
| Saturday | Great Vespers | 5pm |
Vigil is served the last Saturday of each month and on the eves of the Feasts of the Church
Adult Education
The process of catechism and entrance into the Orthodox Christian Church is a deeply personal experience. Father John works on an individual basis with each person interested in joining the Church.
The study of Holy Scripture takes place on a weekly basis on Thursday mornings.
Father John leads adult discussion groups and Orthodox enrichment classes take place on a seasonal basis at St Mark Parish.
History & Vision
St. Mark Orthodox Church was founded in 1980. Services were first held at the Avondale Nursing Home Chapel, and later a high school gymnasium was rented out as the congregation outgrew the chapel. Land was purchased in Rochester Hills and in 1983, blessed for construction by Bishop Boris. In 1986, a multi-purpose building was constructed and our present temple was built in 2000. The iconography of the temple was completed in the Spring of 2022.
Fr. John Dresko was the first assigned priest of St. Mark's parish, serving from 1980 until 1983. Fr Kyril Riggs followed him from 1983 to February of 1987. Fr. Andrew Yavornitzky served from 1987 until his retirement in 2020. Our current pastor, Fr. John Baker, began his ministry to our community of St. Mark in June of 2021.
St. Mark's focuses on a robust liturgical life and emphasizes stewardship concerning all the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. Our parish family is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds. We delight in exercising hospitality towards all who enter our doors and invite you to become an integral part of our future.