Message from Father George:
Welcome to St. Katherine Parish!  We are a rapidly growing community of Orthodox Christians in the Palouse, the only one you will find between Spokane/Coeur d'Alene and Boise.  We have families coming from as far as Lewiston, St. Maries, and Kooskia (if you know the area, you will realize how big of a commitment that is).

The Orthodox Church is experiencing incredible growth in the last few years.  Our parish is no exception.  There are many people here who are exploring the Faith after researching online.  There are lots of books these days about Orthodoxy, and quite a few 'online personalities' with podcasts.

But, being a Christian isn't about memorizing facts.  The Last Judgement isn't a 'pop quiz.'  The life of a Christian is about being united to and transformed by God, in whose Image and Likeness we are created.  This transformation starts with and continues through our "joyful repentance," offering up our sins to God not out of fear, but gratitude for His mercy and forgiveness.

We seek Him, and Christ comes to us.  We take up our cross and follow Him, and thus become more like Him.  We discipline our flesh so that we can manifest the virtues and good works that come from Him through us.  We do not earn God's love.  It is freely given.  It is gratitude that motivates the Christian, and the yearning for more of Him in our hearts.

Some will ask, "Are you saved?"  The real truth is that salvation is an ongoing process.  It is just the beginning of an eternal reality.  St. Paul talks to his communities about maturing or "growing up."  That's what we need to do.

The biggest struggle most Americans face is approaching the Faith as another form of consumerism.  We aren't buying a product or service when we enter the Church.  We are, rather, turning ourselves over to God.  Like the Prodigal Son, we are willing to be slaves to Him, but instead we are called His children.