Construction – Huehuetenango

Be a part of a construction team whose efforts will assist seminarians and catechists who have been engaged in planting Orthodoxy among the indigenous people of Guatemala. Under the jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarch and his Exarch, Metropolitan Athenagoras of Mexico, OCMC missionaries to Guatemala, Fr. John and Presbytera Alexandra Chakos, along with other clergy and lay leaders are strengthening the infrastructure of Orthodoxy in Guatemala.

Over the last two decades, a large number of communities, made up of native Mayans, began a spiritual journey that has brought them to the Orthodox Church. The need for a catechetical center to offer ongoing training now exists to further instruct these new converts about Orthodox praxis, theology and history as they grow in their faith. The 2013 Mission Team to the western highlands of Guatemala will assist with the construction of housing for the Centro Apostolic Catechetical Center and help with other renovations to the facilities just outside of Huehuetenango.

The Team members will work side by side with Guatemalans to build a cement block building that will serve as a dormitory for the seminarians and catechesits. Team members will also offer great hope and encouragement to the Church in Guatemala as they work and pray side by side. The Team will be accommodated on site in the main seminary building. Conservative dress (no shorts!) and a willingness to eat local foods is requested.

Volunteers with a willingness to work hard and a firm grasp of the Orthodox Faith are encouraged to apply! Construction experience is welcomed, but not necessary; participants must be in good physical condition.

Dates: July 31 – August 16, 2013
Cost: $1,065 + airfare

* Airfare not included in Team costs. Team members must travel on scheduled dates; air travel to be coordinated with OCMC; ground transportation will be provided. Team members are encouraged to raise the additional funds to cover the cost of domestic and international travel.