By Jodee Taylor
TRAVERSE CITY -- It took a year of thought and prayer, but a name has been bestowed on Traverse City's Orthodox church.
Archangel Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church was chosen and given to the church during its 10-year anniversary celebration earlier this month. Previously, the church was the Traverse City Orthodox Mission Church.
"The archangel is like a go-between for God and so is this church," said Father Iakovos Olechnowicz, the church's priest. He said it was a fitting name and symbol because the local church is the only Orthodox church in northwest Lower Michigan.
The archangel is likable and easy to identify with, Olechnowicz said, while not being of any specific nation, which makes him -- and his name -- as inclusive as possible. Plus, the archangel spans the entire Bible, both Old and New Testaments, Olechnowicz said.
The name was celebrated by His Eminence, Nicholas Metropolitan of Detroit, during services Nov. 15. He cited the local church's role in bringing the Orthodox faith to the region and recognized Harriet Rennie, who championed the fledgling Orthodox community in Traverse City.
"Our new name clearly identifies us as a community of faith and emphasizes that we are a permanent and stable entity that has the full support of the archdiocese," Olechnowicz said. The church is at 1030 Hastings St. in Traverse City.
Olechnowicz also serves as spiritual director of the Father Fred Foundation.
For more information about the Archangel Gabriel Greek Orthodox Church, go to www.tcorthodoxchurch.org or call 668-6583.
