About Holy Resurrection in Gillette
Holy Resurrection in Gillette, WY
Located in downtown Gillette, Wyoming, Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church is a small but growing parish in the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese, within the Diocese of Wichita. Our community gathers for Divine Liturgy when our priest is in town, and for Typika Reader services, times of prayer, Scripture, and fellowship, on other Sundays.
Our home is the oldest church building in Wyoming still in active use, a beautiful and historic space that has served generations of Christians and now continues as a place of living Orthodox worship.
New to Orthodoxy?
The Orthodox Church traces its origins to Jesus Christ and the apostles and understands itself as continuing the life of the early Christian Church. From the beginning, the Church has preserved the same faith, doctrine, and Holy Tradition taught by Christ, proclaimed by the apostles, and articulated by the early Church Fathers. These were received not as ideas to be revised, but as a sacred inheritance to be faithfully guarded and passed on. Orthodox Christians believe this continuity of belief and teaching has been maintained throughout the centuries, most clearly expressed in the Church’s worship, sacraments, and shared life of faith.
What you will see when you walk in.
When you arrive for a service, you’ll notice a quiet sense of reverence. Some may be lighting candles or praying before the icons, while others stand or sit quietly as the service continues. Orthodox worship flows in a steady rhythm of prayer, Scripture, and song, centered on the presence of Christ. It may feel different from what you’re used to, but it’s meant to draw the heart into stillness, awe, and communion with God.
Communion and blessed bread.
Holy Communion is received by Orthodox Christians who are spiritually prepared and in communion with the Church. Visitors are encouraged instead to receive a piece of blessed bread at the end of the service, given as a sign of hospitality and fellowship. This simple act reminds us that everyone is welcome to share in the love and peace of Christ.
You will notice a lot of standing and movement.
In Orthodox worship, standing is a posture of prayer and respect, so you will see most people standing for much of the service. Some bow or make the sign of the cross at certain moments. Others may move to light candles or venerate icons. If standing is difficult, you are always free to sit when needed. The most important thing is to pray with your heart, not to worry about getting everything “right.”
The music and prayers are ancient.
Almost the entire service is sung or chanted, without instruments. Over time, the repetition of prayers, hymns, and Scripture allows the heart to rest and the mind to enter into worship. It may feel unfamiliar at first, but soon you will begin to recognize patterns and words that have shaped Christian prayer for centuries.
Reverence is expressed physically.
The Orthodox faith engages the whole person; mind, heart, and body. You may see people crossing themselves, bowing, or kissing icons of Christ and the saints as a sign of love and respect. These actions are not meant to draw attention, but to remind us that faith is something we live with our whole being.
Give yourself time to experience it.
The Orthodox Church can feel different at first, rich, layered, and full of symbolism, but that depth is part of its beauty. You are not expected to know what to do or to understand everything right away. Simply come, listen, and be present. In time, what feels unfamiliar will begin to feel like home.
A Parish of the Antiochian Diocese of Wichita
Holy Resurrection is a parish of the Diocese of Wichita and Mid-America, one of the regional dioceses within the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. Through the Archdiocese, our parish is under the pastoral authority of His Eminence Metropolitan Saba and is part of the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch and the worldwide Orthodox Church. antiochian.org
Our Parish Priest: Fr. Joseph Olas
The Rev. Fr. Joseph Olas serves as the priest of both St. John the Theologian Orthodox Church in Rapid City and Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Gillette. He resides in Rapid City and regularly travels to Gillette to lead services, provide pastoral care, and support the life of our parish. Fr. Joseph is a graduate of St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary and brings many years of experience in parish ministry and Orthodox outreach.
Our Bishop: Metropolitan Saba
His Eminence Metropolitan Saba is the Archbishop of New York and Metropolitan of the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America. As our chief shepherd and bishop, he oversees the parishes and ministries of the Archdiocese throughout the United States and Canada. Holy Resurrection is a canonical parish under his spiritual authority and care, and through him remains united with the ancient Patriarchate of Antioch and the wider Orthodox Church.
How to Join the Orthodox Church
Those interested in becoming part of the Orthodox Church are first encouraged to visit and participate in the life of the parish as inquirers. When someone feels ready to begin the journey toward full membership, they speak with Fr. Joseph to enter the catechetical process. This period of catechesis is typically about one year, allowing time to learn the faith, experience the full cycle of the Church’s liturgical life, and discern this commitment with care. The Church understands this time as important for grounding a person not only in teachings, but in a lived life of prayer, worship, and community.
The catechetical process generally includes:
- Visiting the parish regularly as an inquirer
- Speaking with Fr. Joseph to begin catechesis
- A period of learning and formation, typically about one year to participate in a full liturgical calendar.