Thyranixia of St. John the Baptist Church in Euless, TX

St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Euless, TX opened its doors today in a ceremony celebrated by Met. Isaiah of Denver (pictured right). It was a pan-Orthodox affair with clergy and laity from many jurisdictions in attendance.

I was blessed to have been able to get a tour of the temple some weeks ago when it was still under construction and I must say it is a sight to behold. It might the most splendidly constructed, architected, and appointed parish in Texas. It is certainly shephered by a wonderful pastor in Fr. Vasile Tudora (pictured left) who spearheaded the fundraising and construction effort. His wife, Mirela Tudora, an architect with experience in church design in Romania, designed the space.

Renowned iconographer Vladimir Grigorenko, who wrote the icons for St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral (OCA) in Dallas among other projects, also wrote the icons for the parish. More photos of the event are available here.

If you are a resident or will be traveling through the Dallas/Fort Worth area, please make an effort to see this new church. If you can't make a Sunday Liturgy, the Vespers services are well attended and the chant is quite good. Below, note the horos that is fully functional and will be swung during the Polyeleos Psalms.