GRoundBreaking

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Historic Groundbreaking of the Shrine of Saint Anna

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A Global Celebration in the Sierra Foothills

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ROSEVILLE, CA – On Saturday, September 7, 2019, His Eminence Metropolitan Gerasimos of San Francisco, His Grace Bishop Neofitos of Nyeri and Mount Kenya, and over 400 clergy and laity from around the world gathered to celebrate the historic groundbreaking of the Shrine of Saint Anna.

The new home of the Metropolis Shrine, originally founded in 1998 and dedicated to "the Sanctity of Marriage and Family," will feature a traditional, Byzantine-styled sanctuary. This sacred structure will provide a much-needed permanent worship space for our growing flock while offering California’s Sierra foothills a magnificent, enduring symbol of faith and family.

Active Faith and Philanthropy

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The parishioners of the Shrine comprise families from the greater-Roseville area and throughout Placer County. In addition to maintaining a rich liturgical rhythm and pastorally vibrant ministries, our clergy and members remain deeply embedded in the local community:

  • Community Presence: Active partnership with several regional non-profit organizations.

  • The Philoptochos Society: Our parish’s philanthropic arm (meaning "Friends of the Poor") provides robust prayerful and financial support to numerous local, national, and international charities.

A Sanctuary for Pilgrims

In 2005, the parish received a rare Holy Relic of Saint Anna, the maternal grandmother of Jesus Christ, sent from the monastic peninsula of Mount Athos in northern Greece—an event that drew widespread local media coverage. In 2007, the community was further blessed with the Holy Relics of both Saints Joachim and Anna from the same brotherhood.

Because of these sacred treasures, pilgrims from across the globe regularly journey to Roseville to seek the powerful intercessions of the Holy Ancestors of God, particularly for healing from infertility, the blessing of children, and the strengthening of marriage.

A Privilege for Generations

"Being distinguished as a holy shrine is unique in Christendom, especially before the permanent sanctuary is even constructed! Yet, our bishop recognized the profound future ministry and regional importance of this parish for the faithful both here and abroad. Now, with clergy and laity visiting from as far away as Kenya, we break ground for a sanctuary which, once built, will stand forever to the glory of God. It is truly a privilege for all of us to be a part of this project."

— Rev. Dr. Christopher Flesoras, Parish Priest

The Groundbreaking Synchrony

The historic day brought together a beautiful assembly of over a dozen clergy, civil dignitaries from the City of Roseville and Placer County, our project architect, the U.S. representative of our mosaic artisans in Italy, the Dean of Hellenic College, and hundreds of faithful friends.

The contextual rhythm of the celebration included:

  • The Agiasmos: A humbling service for the Blessing of the Water and the sanctification of the earth.

  • The Turning of Soil: Clergy, hierarchs, and pioneers turning the earth together with ceremonial shovels.

  • Festive Fellowship: Inspiring addresses and an outstanding community reception filled with Christian joy.

  • Great Vespers: The day beautifully closed with over a hundred faithful gathering in quiet prayer to offer thanksgiving to the Lord.

Enjoy and download photos from the groundbreaking: https://andrewandbethanyphoto.pass.us/st-anna-groundbreaking/

Our gratitude to Andrew and Bethany Burrows for capturing so many of these blessed moments.