McComb’s Christ the Savior Orthodox Christian Church got a special treat this weekend as the Orthodox Christian Church Southern Diocese leader visited and led services.
“Anytime he’s here it’s a big deal,” Christ the Savior Priest Matthew Jackson said.
Archbishop Dmitri told church members during Saturday evening services to guard against deviating from the original doctrine.
He said that means if Christ’s teachings are in contrast to society, “society is wrong.”
In 1978, Dmitri was named ruling bishop of the Diocese of Dallas and the South, which includes 14 states. In 1993, the title of Archbishop was bestowed upon him.
Jackson invited Dmitri, who regularly tours his diocese, to McComb.
The archbishop’s visit concludes today after services at 10 a.m. at the church located, 500 Maryland Ave.
Dmitri said in an interview after services Saturday that he was concerned some churches stretch teachings to fit with secular society.
All churches, he said, must abide by Christ’s original teachings — the teachings that led to Christ’s crucifixion.
“The target is not other churches but any wrong belief presented of Christ,” he said.
This was Dmitri’s fourth visit to the church since it was established in 2004; however, Jackson said that today will be Dmitri’s first chance to lead Sunday liturgy services at Christ the Savior.
Jackson said it’s valuable for his church members just to be in the presence of someone so closely aligned to Christ’s teachings.
David Varnado, one of the church’s 35 members, said he always looks forward to the archbishop’s visits.
“It’s just a completeness to the church when we’re all here with the bishop,” Varnado said.
Deacon Steven Kroll of St. Seraphim Orthodox Church in Dallas, who traveled with Dmitri, said he was impressed with Christ the Savior Orthodox Church.
“This is a dedicated group that seems to be wanting to build a presence in McComb,” Kroll said.
Prior to arriving in McComb on Saturday, Dmitri consecrated Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Clinton.
