Fr. Martin Halík from Markovce began a mission trip across the United States

Fr. Martin Halík, administrator of the Orthodox parish in Markovce, has set out with his family on a mission trip to the United States of America, where in the first days he took part in a conference dedicated to the memory of Archbishop Anastasios of Albania.

The meeting took place at Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology in Boston and was dedicated to the legacy of this prominent Orthodox missionary, the Michalovce-Košice Orthodox Eparchy reported on Facebook.

The conference programme began with prayer and Great Lent services. Participants could also attend the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, accompanied by traditional Byzantine chant.

During the meeting Fr. Martin met a number of Orthodox bishops and priests in America, mainly from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. He also met Archbishop John of Albania, the successor of the late Archbishop Anastasios, and Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.

The discussions also included examples of mission work among Roma communities in Greece. One of the Orthodox priests has long served among local families there, helps children get to school and supports their education, and so has gradually contributed to a positive change in the whole community.

The participants also recalled the emphasis Archbishop Anastasios placed on the missionary calling of the Church. In his words, spreading the Gospel is the task of the whole Orthodox world, and every baptised Christian can take part in it – whether by direct service, by prayer or by supporting mission work.

Fr. Martin Halík also asked the faithful to pray for his mission trip and for his service among Roma communities.