By Jeff Ostroth
THE ERICKSON TRIBUNE

From the time it was only a blueprint and a dream, Cedar Crest’s Interfaith Chapel was intended to be just that: an inclusive community building that would serve the needs of all faiths.

Indeed, since its opening last September, the Chapel has proven to be a treasure for Cedar Crest’s active Jewish, Protestant, and Roman Catholic faith groups, as well as its Interfaith Council.

It was always understood, however, that if people from other traditions moved in to Cedar Crest or came forward, the Chapel would serve their needs as well. This is exactly what has happened.

First Eastern Orthodox service
When Cedar Crest marked its 5th Anniversary last October, a fourth faith group—the Eastern Orthodox Christians—took its place among those that were represented in the interfaith commemoration service.

“I did the reading from the Orthodox faith at that service,” says Irene Pappas, who moved to Cedar Crest about 18 months ago. And on December 18, Irene and a number of other Orthodox Christians, joined by several friends, celebrated their first Orthodox worship service at Cedar Crest’s Interfaith Chapel.

The service was led by Fr. James C. Mouketis of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in Wyckoff, N.J., about 12 miles from Cedar Crest.

“It took about a year for this service to happen,” says Irene, who often attends St. Nicholas on Sundays. In January of 2006, she had invited Fr. Mouketis (“Father Jim”) to Cedar Crest to bless her home, which is traditionally done in that month.

“When he came, Father Jim said he would be happy to come and have Orthodox liturgy here,” says Irene. “He had to get permission from the Bishop and it took some time to make all the connections. I was delighted when he said it would be just a week before Christmas, so those of us who wished could receive communion.”