Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church - About "Joy Of All Who Sorrow"

Diocese of the West

| OCA

Orthodoxy in America

Joy of all Who Sorrow Orthodox Church embodies the mission of her parent organization, The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), as stated:

“The mission [of the OCA] is to be faithful in fulfilling the commandment of Christ to go into all the world and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that He has commanded [Matthew 28:19-20], so that all people may be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth.”

The Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church is dedicated to fulfilling this mission by:

v Providing regular and ongoing church services and operating an Eastern Orthodox bookstore and library. In addition, the church offers classes that teach the doctrine, history, and Holy Traditions of the Church.

v Educating children through a multifaceted educational program that includes direct instruction, hymnography, hagiography, and participating in church services, in order to raise up children who will come in the unity of the faith, and the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ [Ephesians 4:13].

v Serving the poor, the needy, and the suffering of our world, through various means and in conjunction with other charitable organizations.

The Orthodox Church in America (OCA) started the "Joy Of All Who Sorrow" Orthodox mission parish in 2000. His Grace, Bishop Tikhon of the Diocese of San Francisco, Los Angeles and the West appointed Fr. John Tomasi as rector.

Many people in the Los Angeles area remember the "Bookstand on the Strand" in Venice Beach, California. Every Sunday afternoon during the mid to late 1990's, Fr. John Tomasi would stand to greet those who would pass his table on the famous Venice boardwalk.

With ancient Russian chants and incense filling the air, tourists and locals alike would be drawn to this bearded, black-robed figure. Orthodox books and icons were on display for sale, as well as liturgical tapes/CDs, incense, incense burners, prayer rope, and religious jewelry.

Literally, thousands of tourists from around the globe were introduced to Orthodox Christianity through this grassroots missionary effort, which has since developed into the Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Mission in Los Angeles, CA.

Now situated in its new location at 4145 Sepulveda Blvd., Culver City, CA, 90230, the Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Mission Church, and Archangel Michael Orthodox Bookstore (established in 1999), are larger and more family-friendly. The parish has also developed a lending library for any who would like to make a serious study of Orthodox Christianity.

Divine Liturgies, vigils, and a full schedule of services are provided on a regular basis, as well as ongoing inquirers classes, weekly Bible study, and guest lecturers.

ArchAngel Michael Orthodox Bookstore -

The bookstore opens 12:00 noon to 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sunday by appointment.

At other times call 310.425.8836 to arrange an appointment.

Orthodox Life Series -

An ongoing dialog on living the Christian Orthodox life. We welcome anyone seeking answers about God and the Christian faith. (Call 310.425.8836 for information and times)