St Anne's began formally several years back with the vision of a few Orthodox families and their commitment to pray and work for the establishment of an OCA mission in Knoxville. With very occasional visits by clergy, they began to meet monthly in the fellowship hall of a Catholic Church for food, fellowship and prayers. In February of 1998, St Anne's began meeting on Sundays for Typica with continuing occasional visits by clergy for sacraments. In March of 1998 we moved into our rented facilities and gained yet more stability. Stephen Freeman, with the blessing of Archbishop Dmitri under the direction of deanery clergy, provided pastoral care and leadership over the course of the mission's first number of months. Having completed the Late Vocations Program in September of 1998, he was ordained Deacon on November 15 at St Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas and was assigned to St Anne's.

On March 27, 1999 Dn Stephen was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri. The ordination service also included the ordination of Subdeacon John Cook to the Holy Diaconate, the tonsure of Jim (Brendan) Tilson as Reader, and the elevation of Fr Peter Smith of St Mary of Egypt in Norcross, GA to the rank of Archpriest. St George Greek Orthodox Church, in Knoxville, through the gracious invitation of His Grace, Bishop Alexios of Atlanta, was host for this wonderful event.

In May 2000, St Anne moved from its rented warehouse space in Knoxville to over 4,000 square feet of commercial space in nearby Oak Ridge. The new location includes larger worship space, a fellowship area, a children's room, bookstore/library, choir room, kitchen and storage space, and an office for Fr Stephen.

The children of St. Anne greeting Archbishop Dmitri during his May 2001 visit.

      Picture of Archbishop Dmitri as he approaches St. Anne Orthodox Mission.

In April of 2003, we bought a stand alone building in Oak Ridge.  This commercial property was once a church and through the work of many, it is becoming one again.

On July 1, 2005, Fr Justin Patterson, Matushka Tamara, and their son, J. P., arrived for work at St. Anne's.  The assignment of a second priest to our church will help Fr Stephen better serve the churches of the Appalachian Deanery.  (He was named Dean of the newly divided Deanery of the Southeast in 2004.)  Both will remain busy within the parish as well, as our active membership continues to grow. We are excited about our ministry to the greater Knoxville area and the endless opportunities to proclaim the Gospel in the fullness of the Christian Tradition.