On the evening of April 2/15, 2024 the northern parishes of the Michigan Deanery gathered at the St. Jacob Mission with Archbishop Peter’s blessing to serve the sacrament of Unction. This general form of Unction is often served during Great Lent in the Russian Orthodox Church, in support of the striving for spiritual health that we are laboring so diligently for during these holy days.

The service was led by the Dean of Michigan parishes, Archpriest Gregory Joyce. Serving with Fr. Gregory were:

Priest Benjamin Naasko, Sts. Sergius & Herman Church, Houghton
Priest Micah Chisholm, St. Sebastian Church, Traverse City
Priest Jesse Rimshas, St. Jacob Mission, Ishpeming
Deacon Michael Rossmeisl, St. Sebastian Church, Traverse City

A large number of people gathered from throughout the northern part of the Lower Peninsula and the entire Upper Peninsula to participate in the beautiful and meaningful Divine Service. Following the anointing, a robust lenten meal was offered to those in attendance. The fellowship of the gathered faithful lasted well into the night, for the opportunity to interact with fellow Orthodox Christians in this northern region is somewhat rare, and therefore extremely important.

PICTURES CAN BE FOUND HERE