About Epiphany of Our Lord · Roswell, Georgia
Epiphany of Our Lord is a Byzantine Catholic (Ruthenian) parish in Roswell, Georgia, belonging to the Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic. The community celebrates the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in the Carpatho-Rusyn tradition—an Eastern Catholic church in full union with Rome. The parish is known for its small, intimate congregation, a capella liturgical chanting, iconography, and a distinctive iconostasis, and welcomes inquirers to learn about the Byzantine tradition through its 'Becoming Byzantine' adult formation program.
- Patron
- The Epiphany of Our Lord (the manifestation of Jesus to the Magi)
- Rector
- Reverend Lewis Rabayda (Parochial Administrator, per Eparchy of Passaic parish directory, 2025)
- Diocese
- Byzantine Catholic Eparchy of Passaic (Ruthenian); located geographically within the territory of the Roman Catholic Metropolitan Archdiocese of Atlanta
Why belong here
Epiphany of Our Lord offers something rare in the Atlanta area: an Eastern Catholic, Byzantine-rite parish in full union with Rome. Its small size means parishioners know one another personally, and the parish actively preserves Carpatho-Rusyn heritage through the Ladies' Guild, ethnic traditions, and adult formation in the Byzantine tradition. With Saturday Vigil and Sunday Divine Liturgies, regular Mystery of Repentance (Confession), a live-streamed YouTube channel, Theosis young-adult ministry, weekly men's Bible study, and frequent community events like the July potluck picnic, newcomers can join both the prayer and the social life of the parish.
Mass times at Epiphany of Our Lord
Weekly Mass schedule
Confession times
- Saturday: 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM (before Vigil Divine Liturgy)
- Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:30 AM (before Divine Liturgy)
- Holy Days: 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Also before or after weekday services, and by appointment
About Our Parish — Byzantine and Catholic
Epiphany of Our Lord identifies as a Byzantine Catholic parish — Eastern Church in full union with Rome, Carpatho-Rusyn in background and flavor, but now an American Eastern Church celebrating the Gospel in words, symbols, and action. The community blends the colors of its many ikons with congregational a capella chanting, raising hands and fragrant incense in prayer. The parish explicitly invites visitors to 'come and see' who they are and what the Eastern half of the Universal Church is all about.
- An Eastern Catholic parish in full communion with Rome
- Carpatho-Rusyn heritage and liturgical flavor
- Small, intimate, family-friendly community
Parish History & 2014 Arson
Epiphany of Our Lord Byzantine Catholic Church has long served Byzantine Catholics in the northern Atlanta suburbs from its location at 2030 Old Alabama Road in Roswell. On Sunday, December 14, 2014, an arsonist — not connected with the parish — set fire to the church early in the morning, causing an estimated $200,000–$300,000 in damage and also attacking another area church. Father Philip Scott was pastor at the time; the church carried insurance, and the wider Byzantine Catholic community prayed for the parish and offered support.
- December 14, 2014 arson attack — perpetrator apprehended, no injuries
- Damage estimated $200,000–$300,000
- Father Philip Scott was pastor at the time of the attack
Other Devotions & Services
In addition to the Divine Liturgy and Mystery of Repentance, the parish offers occasional services such as Small Compline and seasonal/community events like the Men's Campfire. The Divine Liturgy is also live-streamed through the parish's YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
- Small Compline (select evenings)
- Live-streamed Divine Liturgy on YouTube
- Seasonal gatherings like the annual parish picnic (e.g., July 5 potluck)
The Mysteries (Sacraments)
The Byzantine Church refers to the seven sacraments as the 'Mysteries of the Church,' which bring the faithful into full communion with the Holy Trinity. Epiphany of Our Lord celebrates all seven Mysteries in its Eastern-rite context.
- Baptism
- Chrismation (Confirmation)
- Eucharist (Holy Communion, both Body and Blood)
- Mystery of Repentance (Confession)
- Anointing of the Sick
- Marriage (Crowning)
- Holy Orders
Parish Life & Ministries
Parish life at Epiphany is family-style and welcoming. The Ladies' Guild (ELG) supports hospitality, Carpatho-Rusyn heritage education, decorating and maintaining the church, and fellowship events. The Theosis Young Adult Ministry brings together young adults of Epiphany and the broader Atlanta area for monthly in-person gatherings, faith conversation, and fellowship, with active Discord and GroupMe servers and a weekly Wednesday men's Bible study.
- Epiphany of Our Lord Ladies' Guild (ELG) — contact Kerrie Pinkney
- Theosis Young Adult Ministry — contact Tyler Buddington ([email protected])
- Weekly Men's Bible Study & Fellowship on Discord (Wednesdays 7:30–9:30 PM)
- Online Church Directory for all registered parishioners
Becoming Byzantine — Adult Education
The parish offers 'Becoming Byzantine Formation for Adults' to walk inquirers through the Byzantine Catholic faith, including a series on the Christ Our Pascha Catechism that explains the Byzantine perspective in depth. Apple Podcasts are also available for ongoing study.
- Becoming Byzantine Formation for Adults
- Christ Our Pascha Catechism study series
- Apple Podcasts for ongoing formation
Byzantine Tradition FAQ
The parish maintains an FAQ explaining the distinctive features of Byzantine Catholic worship: the Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom from the AD 300s; a capella congregational chanting (no instruments); icons in place of statues; the Iconostasis dividing the sanctuary (heaven) from the nave (worshipping earth); the square altar symbolizing the four corners of the world; ornate Byzantine vestments; the priest facing East with the people; and English liturgy with occasional traditional Slavonic preserved from the 1950s translation era.
- Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom (4th century)
- A capella chanting only
- Iconostasis, icons (not statues), square altar
- Priest faces East with the congregation
- English primary; some Slavonic preserved in hymns and greetings
Visit Us, Contact & Office Information
Parishioners and visitors are warmly invited to attend services, ask questions about the Byzantine tradition, and meet the community in person. The parish office can be reached by phone or email during office hours, and donations can be made online through Tithe.ly.
- Address: 2030 Old Alabama Road, Roswell, GA 30076
- Phone: (770) 993-0973
- Email: [email protected]
- Parish Office Hours: 12:00 PM – 4:30 PM (listed day)
- Online giving via Tithe.ly
- Live-streamed liturgy on YouTube
Pastors & rectors through the years
- Father Philip Scott
Pastor in 2014 at the time of the December 14 arson attack on the church.
- Reverend Lewis Rabayda
Listed as current Parochial Administrator on the Eparchy of Passaic parish directory (2025).