Orthodox church leader to visit Eastern Shore

Metropolitan Jonah, elected to head the Orthodox Church last November, will visit Dagsboro's Orthodox church and spend some time in Ocean City this weekend. The 49-year-old is the archbishop of the Diocese of Washington, to which the lower Delaware church belongs.

"We look forward to Metropolitan Jonah's first archpastoral visit to our community and we welcome all who are searching for something more in their faith experience to come and join us in worship, fellowship and celebration," said the Rev. John Parsells of Christ the Savior Orthodox Church.

Although it is customary for a bishop to visit the churches in his diocese, Parsells said it will be a special occasion for Christ the Savior.

Metropolitan Jonah is known worldwide for his religious work and writings on Orthodox spirituality. A Chicago native raised in the Episcopal Church, he converted to Orthodoxy as a young adult and then studied in New York, California and Russia. He also established a monastery in California before being chosen to lead the Orthodox church.

"In Metropolitan Jonah, we find a person who has devoted his life to acquiring an authentic experience, salvation and freedom in Christ," Parsells said. "A freedom not just from sin but, more importantly, a freedom to truly love and serve."