Who We Are
The Orthodox Church has her origin in the apostolic community called into being by Jesus Christ, and enlivened by the Holy Spirit.
We are Orthodox because our tradition of Communion, prayer, and worship is rooted in the One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.
We welcome everyone to come and worship with us. Only Communion is reserved for those who have officially joined the Orthodox Church through the sacraments of Baptism and Chrismation.
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.
Our Hierarchs & Clergy
Our parish clergy works together with our dedicated parishioners to bring the Orthodox Church and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to the Kalamazoo community and all those we encounter. We invite you to learn more about our Hierarchs and our clergy.
Hierarchs
His All Holiness
Patriarch Bartholomew
Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America
His Eminence
Archbishop Elpidophoros
Greek Orthodox
Metropolis of Detroit
His Eminence
Metropolitan Nicholas
Parish Priest - Fr. Bryce Buffenbarger
Email: fr.bryce@outlook.com
Phone: 269.830.5868
Father Bryce Vasilios Buffenbarger was born and raised in Kalamazoo, MI. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Cornerstone University and an M.A. in Philosophy from Western Michigan University.
Father Bryce and Presvytera Elyse were married in May 2011 at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kalamazoo. He received a Masters of Divinity from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in 2017. After graduation, he was blessed with the opportunity to serve as assistant to His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Detroit. He was ordained to the diaconate by Metropolitan Nicholas on May 5, 2018 at Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Westland, MI. In June of 2020, Father Bryce was assigned to Holy Trinity Cathedral in Carmel, IN, where he was elevated to the priesthood on November 7th, 2020 and served as assistant priest.
Father Bryce is currently the presiding priest of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he was assigned by His Eminence on September 1, 2022. Father Bryce and Presvytera Elyse are overjoyed to be serving their home community.
Our Parish Feast Day - The Annunciation of the Theotokos
Six months after John the Forerunner's conception, the Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth, a town of Galilee, unto Mary the Virgin, who had come forth from the Temple a mature maiden (see Nov. 21). According to the tradition handed down by the Fathers, she had been betrothed to Joseph four months. On coming to Joseph's house, the Archangel declared: "Rejoice, thou Full of Grace, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women." After some consideration, and turmoil of soul, and fear because of this greeting, the Virgin, when she had finally obtained full assurance concerning God's unsearchable condescension and the ineffable dispensation that was to take place through her, and believing that all things are possible to the Most High, answered in humility: "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word." And at this, the Holy Spirit came upon her, and the power of the Most High overshadowed her all-blameless womb, and the Son and Word of God, Who existed before the ages, was conceived past speech and understanding, and became flesh in her immaculate body (Luke 1:26-38).
Apolytikion in the Fourth Tone
Today marks the crowning of our salvation and the revelation of the mystery before all ages. For the Son of God becomes the son of the Virgin, and Gabriel proclaims the grace. Wherefore, we also cry out with him, "Hail, O full of grace, the Lord is with you."
Kontakion in the Plagal of the Fourth Tone
To you, Theotokos, invincible Defender, having been delivered from peril, I, your city, dedicate the victory festival as a thank offering. In your irresistible might, keep me safe from all trials, that I may call out to you: "Hail, unwedded bride!"
Sources
The Annunciation of the Theotokos from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America website:
https://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints?contentid=471
