The Life-Giving Spring of water in the district of Valouki, Constantinople has sprouted thousands of miracles, healings and resurrections since it first welled forth in the fifth century. A church was built on the site in honor of the Most-holy Theotokos because she brought forth Life: her Son and our God, Jesus Christ. Now, the Antiochian Archdiocese’s first church named for the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring prepares to celebrate its feast day on Bright Friday – this year, April 29.
Virgin Mary Life-Giving Spring Church in Bakersfield, California (website/Facebook) is growing and bringing more families to the Orthodox Faith under the spiritual care of the pastor, Fr. Paul Marji. He and the dedicated parish leaders are actively looking at existing commercial property to purchase to serve the community famed for its oil, agriculture and “Bakersfield Sound” of country music.
The Life-Giving Spring Church in Constantinople (now Istanbul) was destroyed several times over the centuries only to rebuild and preserve the stream of water that produces miracles to this day. The community in Bakersfield has made several attempts over the years to establish a church. Even after setbacks, by the intercessions of the Mother of God, the Bakersfield church has now taken hold and stands strongly as a witness for our Savior.
As part of the feast-day celebrations, Virgin Mary Life-Giving Spring Church will host its first all-day Mediterranean food festival on Saturday, April 30 to introduce itself to the city. On Saturday, May 7, it will host a banquet at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Los Angeles – the mother church of southern California. Make your plans to be at one or both of the celebrations!
