Two years ago, with the blessing of Bishop (now Metropolitan) Nicholas, St. Clement of Rome Mission was established under the spiritual direction of Archimandrite John (Townsend; rector of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA) to serve the spiritual needs of the Orthodox faithful in Rome, GA, and the surrounding communities. Recognizing the distance many parishioners faced to attend Divine Liturgy, the mission was founded as a place of prayer and fellowship where Rome’s Orthodox Christians could experience the fullness of the Faith.

Mission members are thankful to announce that they have found a permanent home! For the past two years in a hilltop home, the community has gathered faithfully for Wednesday Compline and quarterly Divine Liturgy. Thanks to the unwavering support of St. Mary of Egypt parish, and the faithful dedication of Reader Raphael Simons, who drove two hours weekly to assist the mission, a strong foundation has been built.

Glory to God, through the generous spirit of Photini Shropshire and the support of the West Rome Methodist Church, St. Clement of Rome Mission now has a permanent home. This building, once a community food pantry, has been transfigured to provide the spiritual nourishment of the Divine Liturgy to the faithful.

On July 21, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of Holy Great-Martyr Procopius, Hieromonk Gabriel (Davis cleric of St. Mary of Egypt and the Skete of the Holy Elders of Optina) celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the new space. It was a truly blessed occasion for all.

The heart of St. Clement of Rome Mission is its community. The Wednesday Compline services and now monthly Divine Liturgies have become a cornerstone of the spiritual lives of its members. These gatherings offer a space for prayer, fellowship, and mutual support as they journey together on the Orthodox way.

The faithful are grateful for the growth of the mission, including the blessing of new members who have joined the Church through baptism. Their faith and enthusiasm have enriched the community.

As St. Clement of Rome Mission continues to grow and serve our community, all are invited to join on this spiritual journey. Your prayers and support are invaluable to the mission. The community is currently in the process of building an iconostasis and adorning the new space with holy icons. If you would like to contribute an icon or make a financial donation, please mail your gift to:

St. Clement of Rome Mission
128 Tift Road NE
Rome, GA 30161

The mission is truly grateful for your partnership in spreading the light of Christ in the community.

The first words Fr. John shared with the mission continue to ring forth: "The Church has come to Rome, Georgia."

David & Elizabeth Burrows
Mission Lay-Leaders