On Sunday the 10th and Monday the 11th of January, nine baptisms were performed in the community of St. Polycarp of Smyrna Mission in Sanford, ME.

On Sunday morning, mission rector Priest Photius Zelinski performed eight of the baptisms, after which he celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by Priest Abraham Fortier (rector of Holy Archangels Western Rite Church in Waterville, ME).

On Monday morning, Fr. Photius, with the blessing of its rector, Archpriest Chad Williams, performed the ninth baptism at St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Richmond, ME.

The newly illumined represent three separate families, catechumens at and now parishioners of St. Polycarp Mission. Thankfully, Fr. Photius was able to continue to provide resources and occasional services during the pandemic, which allowed them to finish their catechumenate.

More information on St. Polycarp Mission is available on its website here, or its Facebook page here. Those who would like to support the mission’s work, especially in furnishing the church building with any liturgical needs, can contact Fr. Photius at rector@stpolycarp.net or make a donation at GoFundMe.