Welcome to the Community of St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church
"Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain new comers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." (Hebrews 13:1-2)
We hope our website gives you a good sense of who we are as Orthodox Christians and what we believe about God and His Church.
The Orthodox Church has her origin with Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, not with a human teacher, nor group, nor a code of conduct or religious philosophy. Orthodoxy believes that the Church has her origin in the Apostolic Community called into being by Jesus Christ, and enlivened by the Holy Spirit. The Feast of Pentecost, which is celebrated fifty days after Easter, commemorates the "outpouring'' of the Holy Spirit upon the Apostles and marks the beginning of the mission of the Church to the world.
We are Orthodox because our tradition of prayer and worship is rooted in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic undivided Church.
The Orthodox Church was founded by Christ through the Apostles and has maintained a living, historical connection with the Apostolic Church through the ordination of its clergy. The bishop that ordains an Orthodox priest today can trace his ordination historically all the way back to the Apostles, and through them to Christ. For this reason we are “apostolic” – rooted in the first Apostles – the disciples of Jesus.
We are also apostolic because we believe our calling is to go out and share our faith with others. For this reason, we welcome you to visit the Orthodox Christian parish in your neighborhood or town.
Although our parishes may carry a designation of Greek Orthodox or Russian Orthodox or some other ethnic identity, this does not imply that you need to be of a certain ethnic origin to join us in worship or to consider becoming an Orthodox Christian.
Experience the Life of the Orthodox Church in the following ways:
Sources
A Brief Introduction to the Orthodox Church. www.goarch.org. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. August 10, 2016. http://www.goarch.org/-/a-brief-introduction-to-the-orthodox-church.
“The Orthodox Christian Church: Your Spiritual Home” www.goarch.org, https://www.goarch.org/introduction.
Sharing the Gospel in Orange County since 1961.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 New International Version (NIV).
Do you feel burdened? Are you in need of spiritual support and nourishment? Are you looking for a place to come and find rest in the midst of Christ-loving believers?
In a world where moving "100 miles an hour" is normal, the Greek Orthodox Christian Church, the fullness of God's revelation of Himself in the midst of His creation, calls us to slow down and meet God in the present moment. In being present, and learning how to encounter God and one another, we slowly begin to learn what it means to “...love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind, [and] ...love your neighbor as yourself". Matthew 22:37,39 New King James Version (NKJV)
Come join us for services, and experience the love of Christ, in and through the St. John the Baptist community!
Saint John the Baptist’s Church is located in beautiful Orange County, California. We offer many activities and programs for all ages, including Studies in the Faith, Church Choir, and Ladies Philoptochos Society. Our Sunday School Program seeks to nourish the souls of our children from Pre-Kindergarten through High School. Community is one of our major strengths - come join us! See our Parish Ministries page for more detailed descriptions.
"Prepare the Way" Parish Strategic Plan
OUR MISSION
“We are an Orthodox Christian community rooted in faith and united in Christ and His Church.”
OUR VISION
“To transform lives by bringing people closer to Christ and His Church, spreading the light and truth of the Gospel, and shining as beacons of the Orthodox Faith.”
OUR VALUES
"We will reflect our faith by..."
- Loving one another as Christ loves each of us. John 13:34-35
- Fostering an environment of belonging, cooperation, and collaboration among members. Romans 12:4-5
- Educating and training our youth to be thriving Orthodox Christians. Proverbs 22:6
- Respecting, while not idolizing or overemphasizing, our shared heritage or generational involvement as a means of living and spreading an authentic Orthodox ethos. Colossians 2:8
- Welcoming and valuing people from all backgrounds, cultures, and experiences to live a life in Christ and His Orthodox Church. Galatians 3:28
- Offering our best in service, worship, and ministry as a reflection of God’s glory. Colossians 3:17
- Ensuring robust ministry opportunities for all to grow in the faith. Ephesians 4:11-12
- Serving the community and less fortunate to fulfill the Gospel of Christ. Matthew 25:40
- Cultivating an atmosphere of grace, healing, and unity where forgiveness is sought and given freely within and outside the Church. Ephesians 4:32
- Responsibly and transparently managing resources, time, and finances in a way that honors God. Corinthians 8:21