We are a small but growing Melkite Greek Catholic outreach in Richmond, VA, gathering for weekly Vespers and proclaiming ancient Christianity from our hearts to the heart of Virginia.
Questions? Contact us at fr.sean.labat@melkite.org or (804) 219-8124.
We are a small but growing community of families and individuals serving the greater Richmond area, drawn together by the ancient liturgy of the Christian East and full communion with the Catholic Church.
The Richmond Melkite Outreach was established to bring the spiritual riches of the Byzantine tradition to central Virginia — the cycle of feasts and fasts, and a common life of prayer and friendship.
Please come visit us. Whether you are exploring Eastern Christianity for the first time, returning to the faith of your ancestors, or simply curious — you will find a community that welcomes you exactly as you are.
The Melkite Greek Catholic Church is one of the twenty-three Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Pope of Rome, while preserving in fullness the liturgy, theology, and spiritual tradition of Byzantine Christianity.
We are heirs of the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch — among the oldest continuous Christian communities in the world, tracing our lineage back to the apostolic churches of Syria, where the followers of Jesus were first called "Christians."
Byzantine worship is a sensory entry into the heavenly kingdom through incense, chant, and iconography — the same cycle of prayer that has shaped the East for over fifteen hundred years.
The Melkite Eparchy of Newton is our mother diocese in the United States, under Bishop François Beyrouti, with parishes and missions across the country.
We are in full communion with the Pope of Rome while preserving the ancient Byzantine rite, theology, and spirituality of the Christian East.
Our tradition traces back to the apostolic communities of Antioch and Damascus — the very Christians whom St. Luke first called "Christians" in the Book of Acts.
Worship shaped by the Byzantine Rite of St. John Chrysostom, sacred icons, and the cycle of feasts that shaped the early Church.
Our community gathers regularly for Great Vespers and the cycle of prayer. All services are open to visitors and inquirers.
Westover Baptist Church
1000 Westover Hills Boulevard at 49th Street · Richmond, VA 23225
Free parking on-site.
The Byzantine liturgy can feel unfamiliar at first. Here are answers to the questions newcomers ask us most often.
Absolutely — please come. Our services are open to all who wish to pray with us, whether you are a lifelong Eastern Christian or have never set foot inside a church before.
If you have questions afterward, our priest and parishioners are happy to talk. There is no expectation, no pressure — only welcome.
As a young and growing community, we currently serve Great Vespers on Saturday evenings, but do not offer the Divine Liturgy.
Our services are celebrated primarily in English, with selected portions sung in Greek and Arabic — the historic languages of the Antiochian tradition. Service books are provided so you can follow along.
In the Byzantine tradition, standing is the posture of the Resurrection. Our worship is an entry into the heavenly worship described in the Book of Revelation, where the saints and angels stand before the throne of God.
Kneeling and prostrations are reserved for penitential seasons (especially Great Lent) and for specific prayers. Sitting during readings or homilies is also welcome — please do whatever your body needs.
Modest, comfortable clothing — nothing fancy required. Many of our community dress as they would for any Sunday gathering. Comfortable shoes are appreciated since most of our services are spent standing.
Yes — children are a great blessing to our community. Eastern Catholic worship is sensory: incense, chanting, candles, movement. Children often experience our services as wonderfully alive. There is no separate children’s service; little ones worship alongside their parents, and a fussing child is no disturbance to us.
Sign up for our mailing list to receive announcements and news — the schedule of services, feast-day updates, formation events, and community news. We send only what's worth reading.
We are a young outreach and rely entirely on the generosity of our community and friends. Your support helps us cover liturgical supplies, formation materials, and our path toward a permanent home.