A few weeks ago, in reply to a thread, begun by Elizabeth/babochka, on the topic of reviving a parish, I wrote in some detail about the value of parish websites and ways to improve or implement them, finishing with:



My friend and brother, John, picked up on my musing and encouraged me to pursue the idea, suggesting that it was needed and would be interesting. So, we'll try it.

I'll try to post a link to one each few days, chosen from those I encounter in the process of creating the Directory entries. I'll also include noteworthy EO/OO parish websites that I find along the way - happens all the time when I'm trying to track down an EC parish site and I encounter that of the identically-named EO parish diagonally across the street - both funny and sad : at the same time.

That I find a website to be as I've described doesn't mean that everyone will agree. Feel free to comment on them (charitably and constructively, please).

Many years,

Neil

First up,

Our Lady of Perpetual Help Byzantine Church in Alburquerque, NM.

Father Chris Zugger graciously contacted me a few days ago to provide updated info about the Schedule of Divine Services for the parish entry in our Directory.

When I revisited the website for the first time in a while, I was reminded how nicely it is done and the impressive array of resources available on it.

Many years,

Neil

Beautiful ! A very good first choice, Neil !

-- John

I particularly like the way their Gallery is set up - you don't get overwhelmed by lots of photos - and you can look at them carefully

I had no intention of posting another site so soon, but I was looking to update/correct some information regarding St Melany the Younger Byzantine Church in Tucson, AZ

In doing so, I discovered that the parish's website has been significantly updated since I visited it last and what I found compelled me to post the link.

The resources there - from personal testimonies of persons who found their Christianity in the East (including our own Pani Rose) through articles, music, videos, audio links (Ancient Faith Radio), and more - are incredible!

I love the Google Calendar - first time I've seen anyone use that on a parish site.

Their entry in our Directory

Many years,

Neil

Thanks for starting this! I've been hoping you would follow up on doing this, and have been keeping an eye out.

Elizabeth

Wonderful idea. I totally agree about the value of web sites. There's much opportunity for evangelization and catechesis on them and for just plain outreach.

I was checking this site yesterday to see what is coming up that I might attend and noticed they recently added a link to a very interesting New Yorker article and audio clip about "Russian bells that have been ringing at Harvard since the nineteen-thirties, and were recently returned to their original home at the Danilov monastery". There are good audio clips of their choir's CD, which led me to purchase it. http://www.stnicholasmarin.org/# I just noticed they also have a little audio clip "Listen to our bells" on their "Read more about who we are" link http://www.stnicholasmarin.org/history.html

Several months ago I visited this parish when I was attending a weekend conference near by. I decided to go there as opposed to other options, based on what I could find on line. http://www.slocc.com/index.html

off topic: Even though it is a large parish one of the parishioners, I think a presbytera, came up to welcome me after Divine Liturgy, recognizing me as a visitor, and gave me a bag already prepared for guests, which contained a coffee mug with their logo on it, some trifolds and a larger brochure about about Orthodoxy, and a coupon for a free cup of coffee.

My own RC home parish website is a real snoozer but they do keep it "up to date" at least which is definitely important.

St John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church (ACROD) in Rahway, NJ has a website well worth looking at for the great collection of links available on it. Additionally, the incredible photo array gives one a very clear picture of a vibrant parish community.

Many years,

Neil

Very nice Site indeed

Easy to navigate , very clean unfussy looking and up to date

Thank you for posting that, Neil !

-- John

Try looking at our parish website, it's Latin but can give you some ideas.
Stephanos I

www.stvincentferrer.org

What do you think about this one:

http://www.byzcath.org/fortpierce

This is a nice, professional looking site.

Some pros:
Map to church
Name of pastor and contact info
welcoming
many others

But, some cons:
no photo identifying the pastor
"current" bulletin is 22 FEB 2009
lack of establishing primary identity


I should explain the cons -- and let me repeat I think this is a very nice site.

The internet is a very visual, image oriented medium. I think seeing the people, their image, enhances the message giving a personal touch.

Better to have "current bulletin not available" than an old one.

Primary ecclesiology: The front page properly relates us to the Romans,


This is ok, but by itself it is part of our problem -- we present ourselves as not having an inherent, current identity as a church apart from them, the Roman church.

The Latin bishop is named; we have our own bishop who is not mentioned. We are an Eparchy of our Metropolitan church -- not mentioned.

Father, bless !

I think your parish's website is well designed and easy to navigate. Thank you for sharing it.

-- John

I agree!!

Dear Father Stephanos,

What a beautiful, classic church you serve at!!

(...and was that you I spied in a photo--Father Stephen?!?)

Asking for your blessing,
Alice