521 Oakley Avenue

Today, I had the beautiful privilege of visiting Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Lynchburg, the 78th stop on my journey to visit every church in my city as guided by the Holy Spirit.

Each church I’ve visited has brought me closer to healing, community, and the peace of God, and Holy Trinity Orthodox Church was no exception.

A parish of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese in America, Holy Trinity serves the Lynchburg area with a commitment to faith, tradition, and fellowship.

Arriving at the church, I was struck by the warm welcome that greeted me before I even stepped through the doors.

Holy Trinity makes parking straightforward with spaces available on the street across from the church and additional parking next door at New Vistas School. Even in the simplest details, there was a sense of thoughtfulness and hospitality.

Inside, I was blessed to meet Father Alban, the priest of Holy Trinity, and his lovely wife, affectionately called Matushka.

Their warmth was felt immediately, and their passion for this congregation shone through in every conversation.

Father Alban is supported by a dedicated ministry team, including Deacon Thomas Weaver and Subdeacons Daniel Marchant, Justin (Reade) Keeler, and Peter (Rob) Pyle.

Together, they create a welcoming atmosphere, deeply rooted in the beauty of Orthodox tradition and community.

Upon entering the sanctuary, I felt the distinct reverence of the space. The fragrance of incense filled the air, giving a sense of a holy fragrance, and candles flickered gently at the entrance as some members lit them in prayerful dedication.

Curious, I asked about the candles and was told they represent prayers lifted up to God.

It was a beautiful reminder of the physical and spiritual merging in worship.

One of the first things I noticed was that many of the women in the congregation wore head coverings.

Unsure if this was a requirement, I offered to cover my own hair, but the kind ladies assured me it wasn’t necessary, sharing that it was a personal choice.

They simply encouraged respectful attire, and I felt perfectly at ease in my dress slacks and dressy shirt.

As the service began, I found myself captivated by the ancient, sacred rhythms of Orthodox worship.

The congregation chanted responsively, repeating the heartfelt plea, “Lord, have mercy on us.”

The words echoed through the sanctuary, both humbling and uplifting, as if each phrase was pulling us closer to the presence of Christ.

Today’s service was dedicated to the Feast of Christ the King, a celebration that underscores the understanding that Christ is the heart and center of all things.

During the service, I struggled a bit to follow along as we switched between different books for prayers, chants, and readings.

Noticing my difficulty, several church members kindly offered their assistance, guiding me with such grace and patience.

Their kindness touched me deeply, showing how much they truly embody the love and compassion of Christ. I also learned that Holy Trinity offers classes for those who are new to the Orthodox faith or curious about its practices, which I found incredibly thoughtful and encouraging.

One of the most profound moments came when Father Alban delivered a powerful message on peace.

He spoke of how true peace is not something external but an internal condition that remains unshaken if it is rooted in Christ. Peace is a condition of where we are resting in Christ, he shared, and when it is internal, it cannot be taken away, no matter what the world throws at us.

He reminded us that just as breathing sustains the body, prayer sustains the soul.

It was a powerful analogy that emphasized the constant, life-giving relationship we are called to have with God.

After the service, I was invited to join the congregation for refreshments and fellowship, and I was blessed by the conversations I shared with so many of the members.

Each person I spoke with reflected a genuine love for their church family, and several mentioned how much they valued the close-knit community here.

They told me that at Holy Trinity, no one goes unnoticed…if someone misses a service, they receive a call or message, checking in to see if they’re okay.

It’s a church that truly cares for each of its members, and that level of attentiveness and love left a lasting impression on me.

One woman shared that what she cherishes most about Holy Trinity is the way it has become a sanctuary in her life…a place where she finds love, peace, and support. Many others echoed her sentiments, expressing that this church is not just a place to worship, but a place to be part of something meaningful, a place where everyone is encouraged to grow closer to God and one another.

As I left Holy Trinity, my heart felt full. It was a day that reminded me of the healing power of community, of being in a place where worship is not just a routine but a sincere, heartfelt experience.

I walked away feeling humbled, grateful, and deeply blessed by the kindness and authenticity of this congregation.

If you’re looking for a church that celebrates God’s love through sacred tradition and genuine fellowship, I wholeheartedly recommend visiting Holy Trinity Orthodox Church. It’s a place of peace, love, and grace, where the Holy Spirit is present.

With every church I visit on this journey, God is revealing new depths of His love and grace to me.

Each step brings me closer to the healing and restoration He has promised, and I eagerly await the next stop on this beautiful, humbling path He has set before me.