ABOUT US
The Orthodox Church is the one Church founded by Jesus Christ and his apostles at the day of Pentecost with the descent of the Holy Spirit in the year 33 A.D.
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Since the day of Pentecost, the Orthodox Church has maintained a continuity of faith and teachings, which were founded by Christ and sustained by the Holy Spirit.
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We, here at St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Christian Church serve the faithful from Bowling Green, Grand Rapids, Perrysburg, Oregon, Maumee, Toledo, and Sylvania, Ohio as well as many from Bedford, Blissfield, Temperance, Adrian, Monroe, and Lambertville, MI holding to this very same faith, live it and preserve it for the generations to come.
OUR VISION
"We have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another."
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St. Paul, First Epistle to the Corinthians
OUR MISSION
“Make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that He has commanded us."
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
OUR COMMUNITY
"So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another. Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us,
let us use them!"
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St. Paul, Epistle to the Romans
About St. Elias Orthodox Church
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Welcome to St. Elias Orthodox Church, a parish rooted in the ancient Christian faith and alive with the presence of God in our own day. Located in Sylvania, Ohio, we are a community gathered around Jesus Christ—seeking to know Him, love Him, and become, by His grace, radiant with His life.
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We belong to the Orthodox Church, the same Church founded by Christ and His apostles, faithfully preserving the fullness of the Christian faith across the centuries. Here, worship is not a performance or a lecture—it is an encounter. Through prayer, Scripture, sacrament, and the beauty of the Divine Liturgy, we are drawn into communion with the living God.
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At St. Elias, we strive to live what the saints have always taught: that the Christian life is a journey of transformation. As we pray, fast, give, repent, and receive the Holy Mysteries, our hearts are gradually purified and illumined. The goal is nothing less than to become transparent to God’s grace—to have His life shine through us in love, humility, and joy. This is the path walked by the saints, and it is open to every person.
Our parish is joyfully pan-Orthodox. You will find families with roots in many traditionally Orthodox countries—alongside many who have discovered Orthodoxy later in life. This rich tapestry is one of our greatest blessings. Whether you were raised in the Church or are simply curious, you will find a home here. We are a community where everyone is invited to grow, to belong, and to find a place of service and ministry.
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Children are at the heart of our life together. They are not separate from the Church—they are the Church. From their earliest years, children fully participate in our worship, standing with us, praying with us, and receiving Holy Communion. We believe that a child’s heart is uniquely open to God, and we welcome their presence with joy, patience, and love.
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At St. Elias, we are committed to cultivating a life that is deeply rooted in prayer and authentically lived out in the world. We support one another in carrying our crosses, in seeking healing, and in growing in Christ-like love. Whether you are searching, struggling, or simply longing for something deeper, you are welcome here.
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Come and see.