By Abby Baudry

Following US-31 east out of Traverse City, it is impossible to miss the shining new structure of the Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church overlooking the waters of Grand Traverse Bay. With its radiant copper dome and sunny exterior, the building is a tangible embodiment of the faith and resolution of its members. It was through the generosity of the local community, the determination of the congregation, and perhaps, some divine intervention that this beautiful new church was raised.

As the first Orthodox Church in northern Michigan, Archangel Gabriel’s congregation began as a rag-tag group of worshippers who gathered at various locations around the state. At times, members would even drive 3 hours to the nearest Orthodox Church in Grand Rapids until plans to establish their own mission began in 1999.

Over the years, the church grew from a fledgling mission into a flourishing parish that has been based on community and stewardship from the very beginning. In fact, before plans were even considered for a new building, the church founded Angels Organic Community Garden to provide food to those in need. Today, the community garden donates thousands of pounds of produce to the Goodwill Inn of Traverse City and ACTS every year.

Upon construction, Parish priest, Father Ciprian Steza, had three requirements. The property had to be accessible, visible, and inspirational. Situated on a main thoroughfare between Traverse City and Petoskey, the church is conveniently located for worshippers across the area to gather. Moreover, the unbeatable view of Grand Traverse Bay inspires a particular appreciation for the beauty of the surrounding environment.

“It is a beautiful place to tell God’s love story for us. Manifested in the environment. Manifested in the rich theology. Manifested in the worship,” says Father Ciprian.

interior and exterior of church

In fact, the property seems to be divinely ordained for the church. Several weeks before groundbreaking, Father Ciprian prayed for the intercession of the Virigin Mary to bless the project during the Feast of the Dormition of Mary. Shortly after, a friend of Father Ciprian’s discovered a small pendant depicting the Virgin Mary, Christ, and Saint Joseph while metal detecting on the property. Curiously, the land had only been used for cherry orchards since the 1940’s. It was in this spot that the Holy Altar was erected.

Blending concepts of traditional architecture with the advances of modern technology, the building itself embodies many of the fundamental values of Orthodox Christianity. Reverence for the Church is at the heart of its design and is evident in its cross-shaped architecture. Moreover, the remarkable dome adorning the roof draws the glory of Heaven above together with the worship of the community below.

On a technical level, the church was carefully designed to minimize its environmental impact. After all, the Orthodox Church has a deep theology of creation and stewardship that calls for preserving the Earth. Every decision from building materials to energy consumption was based on sustainability. They are even working with a beekeeper to cultivate a thriving local ecosystem.

While still a work-in-progress, Archangel Gabriel Orthodox Church has bright plans for their future. As soon as possible, they will commission artists from Europe to complete the church’s iconography. They also hope to produce their own energy with solar panels, and plans for a community center are already under way.

“We have such a good location and platform to tell a story,” says Father Ciprian. “We’re here. We’re growing. It’s very exciting.”