Christian Mission of the Ascension

An Anglo-Syriac Christian Ministry in East Central Indiana

Welcome

All glory and praise to the most holy Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit! 

Welcome to this website for the Christian Mission of the Ascension, a Syriac-rite local assembly of the Christian Synod of St. Timothy (see www.christiansynod.org), also in communion with the Indiana Diocese of the Old Catholic Orthodox Church. 

Crucifixion                         Resurrection
                                                         
In support of this assembly, the following are especially sought with the context of the communion of the saints:

(1) above all things, the love of our heavenly Father, who created us and calls us unto his life-giving embrace; the grace and mercy of our Lord, God, and Savior Christ Jesus, who is our great High Priest interceding on our behalf at the Father's right hand; the fellowship, comfort, consolation, and encouragement of the Holy Spirit, who draws us unto Christ Jesus, unto the forgiveness of sins, and unto eternal life in the fullness of the kingdom of our triune God.

Ascension

(2) the intercession of the holy. blessed, and glorious Theotokos, Mary, the mother of Christ Jesus our Lord, God, and Savior. 
 
 
(3) the intercession of St. Martin of Tours (317-397), former Roman solder and famed confessor, whose counsel was sought by many in the fourth century, whose frequent and unusual miracles astounded both believers and unbelievers, and whose feast day ("Martinmas," November 11, the date of his burial) marked for many western Europeans the beginning of the time of preparation ("St. Martin's Lent") for the celebration of Christmas.
 
St Martin as a bishop: modern icon in the chapel of the Eastern Orthodox Monastery of the Theotokos and St Martin, Cantauque, Provence.
 
(4) the intercession of St. Severius of Antioch (died 538), the early 6th century patriarch of Antioch, who himself suffered exile from his see in Antioch but who nonetheless continued his pastoral ministry as patriarch-in-exile, serving God's people in an exemplary manner.


(5) the intercession of St. Clare of Assisi (1194-1253), the foundress of the religious Order of Poor Ladies (after her death redesignated Order of St. Clare), who successfully resisted misguided papal efforts to 'domesticate' her order according to a pattern of medieval "political correctness."     
      
 
As a result, the patron saints above have been very purposefully selected to reflect both our desire to drink deeply of the wellspring heritage offered by the ancient witness of Oriental Orthodoxy and respectfully to acknowledge our western roots and background, weighing such things in terms of consistency with the faith and practice of the first millennium Great Church.  In other words, this assembly begins with worship according to a Syriac pattern, while welcoming western theological insights insofar as they are consistent with those of the undivided Great Church, which breathed with lungs that were both eastern and western.  

Pentecost

In addition to conducting weekend worship and providing pastoral care for the members of the assembly in Wayne and Henry Counties, IN, the pastor Mar Martin provides community support services as needed, including requests as channeled through the U.S. Corps of Chaplains.

Revised 03-14-2009

Contact Information

+Mar Martin Severius (Bishop Craig Davis)

  • Address:  590-M West Main St., Hagerstown, IN  47346
  • Telephone:  765-489-5775 (message service available)

Deaconess Pamela Munroe Bright

(pictured above with +Mar Martin following her ordination)

  • Currently located in Talbot, Victoria, Australia, pending sale or rental of residence and emigration to the United States...

Other Relevant Websites:

St Martin as a bishop: modern icon in the chapel of the Eastern Orthodox Monastery of the Theotokos and St Martin, Cantauque, Provence.
St. Martin of Tours (4th century)

Divine Liturgy is conducted in Wayne County on the following days and times:

Hagerstown Rectory-Oratory every Lord's Day

Saturday evening vigil at 4:30 P.M.

Community Outreach

Arrangements are pending for conducting Sunday morning worship at a local extended-care facility.

In order to obtain the location, directions, and other information concerning the Divine Liturgy, please call +Mar Martin in advance.  As answering service is available, you are welcome to leave a message.

Revised 04-17-2009