Business Details
St Michael Church Western Rite in Park City, KS
St Michael Church Western Rite is a parish within the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, rooted in the ancient liturgical traditions of the Western Church predating the Great Schism. Our community is dedicated to preserving Orthodox Christian teachings through worship that reflects the early Western Rite while fostering spiritual growth and community engagement. With clergy possessing decades of combined experience in theological education and pastoral leadership, we emphasize the continuity of Holy Tradition and its application in modern life. Our services, grounded in historical liturgy, provide a bridge between Eastern Orthodox doctrine and Western Christian practice. Through educational programs like our Sunday Adult Class and regular liturgical services, we cultivate a space for individuals to deepen their faith and connect with a community committed to Orthodox principles.Our leadership's extensive academic and ministerial backgroundincluding advanced degrees from institutions like General Theological Seminary and Virginia Theological Seminarystrengthens our ability to guide parishioners in spiritual development. As part of the global Antiochian Orthodox network, we maintain rigorous theological standards while prioritizing local community needs. Transparency in our practices and a focus on accessible, meaningful worship underscore our commitment to serving both longtime adherents and those exploring Orthodox Christianity.
Services
Divine Liturgy
Matins
Vespers
Jesus Prayer Service
Sunday Adult Class
Western Rite Worship
Orthodox Catechism
Parish Education
Liturgical Music
Community Outreach
Highlights and features
- We maintain authentic Western Rite Orthodox worship traditions predating the Great Schism
- Our clergy hold advanced theological degrees from accredited seminaries
- We offer educational programs for all ages including Sunday Adult Classes
- Our parish combines Eastern Orthodox doctrine with Western liturgical heritage
- We provide regular liturgical services following historical Western Church practices
Services
Divine Liturgy
Our Sunday Divine Liturgy follows the Western Rite tradition, offering Eucharistic worship at 10:00 AM. This central service includes scripture readings, hymns, and the celebration of Holy Communion. The liturgy provides spiritual nourishment through its connection to early Christian worship practices.
Matins
Matins precedes Sunday Divine Liturgy at 9:45 AM, featuring psalms, hymns, and scripture readings. This preparatory service sets the spiritual tone for the Eucharistic celebration. It follows ancient Western liturgical forms preserved in the Orthodox tradition.
Vespers
Saturday Vespers at 4:30 PM marks the beginning of the Lord's Day with evening worship. The service includes evening psalmody and prayers following ancient Western Church traditions. It serves as a bridge between weekly life and Sunday worship.
Jesus Prayer Service
Thursday evening prayer at 7:00 PM focuses on the Jesus Prayer tradition. This contemplative service emphasizes personal devotion and spiritual focus. The service maintains continuity with early Christian prayer practices.
Sunday Adult Class
Weekly educational sessions at 9:00 AM explore Orthodox theology and practice. Classes cover scripture study, church history, and spiritual development. The program supports lifelong learning in the Orthodox Christian tradition.
People
The Very Reverend Dr. John Flora
Pastor
Ordained in 2004, Pastor John holds a doctorate from Virginia Theological Seminary. With experience in New York, Connecticut, and Kansas, he leads our parish in preserving Western Rite traditions while fostering spiritual growth through education and worship.
The Reverend Basil Anderson
Associate Pastor
Ordained in 2022, Fr. Basil combines decades of parish leadership with theological education from St. Stephen's Course. A former oil industry professional, he brings practical wisdom to pastoral care while maintaining our Western Rite heritage.
Questions
What liturgical tradition does St. Michael's follow?
We follow the Western Rite tradition rooted in the ancient liturgy of the Western Church before the Great Schism, while maintaining full communion with the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese.
Are visitors welcome at your services?
Yes, all are welcome to attend our Divine Liturgy and other services. Visitors can experience traditional Western Rite worship while learning about Orthodox Christian practices.
What educational programs do you offer?
We provide Sunday Adult Classes at 9:00 AM covering Orthodox theology, scripture study, and church history to support spiritual growth and understanding of our traditions.
How is the church governed?
We operate under the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America, part of the Church of Antioch founded by St. Peter, with local leadership from our ordained clergy.
What are your weekly worship times?
Sunday services begin with Adult Class at 9:00 AM, Matins at 9:45 AM, and Divine Liturgy at 10:00 AM. Additional services occur Wednesdays at 6:00 PM, Thursdays at 7:00 PM, and Saturdays at 4:30 PM.
