After spending decades as active members of both the Roman Catholic and Anglican traditions, Fr. Cyprian and Matushka Katherine entered the Orthodox Church in 2014. Their journey into Orthodoxy was not just a personal transformation—it became a mission of love and service to their extended family and community.
During their first decade in the Church, they catechized, baptized, and chrismated: parents, children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. These sacred rites took place in a humble home oratory, which, while deeply meaningful, still made it difficult to properly receive inquirers and seekers drawn to the Orthodox faith.
When the COVID pandemic struck, their oratory was sold, and they began the slow and prayerful process of establishing a new space for worship. The new oratory, though functional, lacked the warmth and welcome of the former. Still, the mission continued. Calls and emails from curious souls never ceased. Yet it wasn’t until 2024 that they were able to seriously explore a suitable worship space—(and if you ever want to hear the backstory, it’s a tale in itself).
With the help of a devoted catechumenate, they were able to locate a worship space at Lakeview Baptist Church. The pastor graciously offered the use of the sanctuary and fellowship hall. Armed with just a few icons and the holy table, they celebrated their first Divine Liturgy there with about 20 attendees. It was a difficult transition, but a blessed one.
Unfortunately, the church was later sold, and once again, they found themselves searching for a new home. After sending out numerous requests, a few churches responded with genuine offers of help. Covenant United Methodist Church extended a generous invitation for the use of a large room on the second floor of their administrative building, not just a place to set up and tear down each Sunday. It is here that the community now gathers to celebrate the Divine Liturgy. It is here - in this small chapel, that Holy Orthodoxy is offered to the surrounding community.
Though the space is modest, the commitment to beautify it is strong. Icons are being placed, prayers are being lifted, and the mission continues. If you would like to join us in this endeavor, we welcome you with open arms.
As Fyodor Dostoevsky wrote in The Idiot, “Beauty will save the world.”
Clergy Bio
Fr. Cyprian Craig
Rector, Holy Wisdom Orthodox Church
Fr. Cyprian has spent many years serving Christian communities in both parish and academic settings. Before entering the Orthodox Church, he served for over a decade as an Anglican priest.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Theology (minor in Philosophy) from Belmont Abbey College and a Master of Arts in Religion in Systematic Theology and Ethics from Yale University. He completed his ABD toward a Ph.D. in Systematic Theology and Ethics at Boston College, and later earned a Master of Divinity from Holy Resurrection Seminary (Western Rite ROCOR).
He is currently completing a Doctor of Theology (Th.D.) project through St. Alcuin Theological House of Studies. This academic and spiritual association dates back over two decades to his mentor, Peter Riola.
In 2014, Fr. Cyprian was ordained an Orthodox priest by Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and in 2015, became the founding Rector of Holy Wisdom Orthodox Church.
In addition to his pastoral duties, Fr. Cyprian serves as a Social Studies teacher at a local high school, where he continues to educate and inspire young minds through a classical and ethical lens.
