Ours is a very active church, featuring several ministries and characteristics that make the Joy of All Who Sorrow Orthodox Church in West Los Angeles a unique testimony to the fullness of the truth of Orthodoxy. We welcome people of all ages, cultures, and walks of life to come in and find peace within our walls, a place to pray, a place to visit, a place to comfort the soul. And with the emphasis on Christian community, and a focus on prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, our outreach to the world is ever-expanding.
Originally mentored by Orthodox Christian monastics, our founders embraced the spiritual practice of frequent prayers and sacraments, including attention to the ancient Christian cycle of services. Since worship in the Orthodox Church is almost always chanted or sung, this has resulted in a lively music ministry that extends out from our Los Angeles location to the entire world through our CDs, collaboration with other Orthodox churches, and online presence.
Outreaches of our church include an energetic prison ministry, a well-stocked and beautiful bookstore, lending library, Children’s Education Program, annual events to celebrate seasons and holy days, guest lecturers and concerts, and a church that is open to the public, often every day of the week, all generating a Christian fellowship of believers striving together to celebrate the joys and share in the sorrows of life.
Values Statement:
TO INSPIRE—It is our goal to inspire others through our work as a church community, setting an example of Christians who are known by their love.
TO OFFER HOPE—We acknowledge the absence of hope in our society, and envision the remedy to be the healing nature of our Church as a hospital for souls, wherein all are welcomed.
TO SERVE—At the heart of our mission we strive to serve our world, community, and all individuals who come to us for help or to offer aid.
Vision Statement:
To serve the needs of people everywhere by building a permanent Orthodox Church in West Los Angeles and bringing inspiration and hope to the world.
