Annunciation of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Lake Park (North Carolina)

Annunciation of the Mother of God Ukrainian Orthodox Parish in Lake Park (Charlotte), North Carolina, is the foundational spiritual hearth of Ukrainian Orthodoxy in the Carolinas. Located at 3708 Faith Church Road in Lake Park / Indian Trail (Union County), within the rapidly expanding Charlotte metropolitan area, the parish belongs to the Eastern Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA under the canonical jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople. It stands as an essential sanctuary of liturgical prayer, cultural solidarity, and frontline humanitarian outreach for Ukraine.

Spiritual Growth in the Carolinas

In recent decades, North Carolina emerged as a major economic and technological magnet, drawing hundreds of Ukrainian professionals, families, and young immigrants to the greater Charlotte region. Desiring to preserve their sacred Eastern Orthodox faith and Kyivan liturgical traditions, the faithful formed the Ukrainian Orthodox community of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, consecrated to the joyful feast of the Archangel Gabriel’s tidings to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

The parish established its permanent home at 3708 Faith Church Road in Lake Park, fostering a vibrant, multi-generational church family that warmly welcomes both Ukrainian and English-speaking Orthodox worshippers from across North and South Carolina.

Archpastoral Induction of Rev. Fr. Maksym Zhuravchyk

A transformative turning point in the parish’s life occurred in June 2025, when His Eminence Archbishop Daniel led a historic archpastoral visitation to Charlotte for the solemn installation and induction of the parish’s new rector, Rev. Father Maksym Zhuravchyk. A dedicated graduate of Saint Sophia Ukrainian Orthodox Theological Seminary in South Bound Brook, Father Maksym brought youthful energy, theological erudition, and passionate pastoral care to the community.

In his inspiring homily, Archbishop Daniel emphasized that the church represents an enduring vessel of hope where the physical wounds of the world are healed through Christ’s love, urging the parishioners to be living witnesses of the Gospel throughout North Carolina.

Sacred Interior and Choral Ministry

The sanctuary at 3708 Faith Church Road radiates reverent warmth and spiritual devotion:

• The Holy Altar and Sanctuary Icons: The nave features canonical icons of the Annunciation, Christ the Teacher, and the Patronal Saints, providing a prayerful environment for the celebration of the Holy Eucharist.
• Bilingual Choral Tradition: Under dedicated cantors and choir members, the parish chants the Divine Liturgy in both Ukrainian and English, making the profound hymnody of the Orthodox Church accessible to all worshippers.
• Fellowship and Hospitality: The parish hall serves as a welcoming venue for post-liturgy agape meals, community meetings, and cultural workshops.

Humanitarian Mission and Relief for Ukraine

Since the beginning of the war against Ukraine, Annunciation Parish has acted as a vital humanitarian bridge in the Carolinas. Working with the Consistory of the UOC of the USA, Father Maksym and the parish family coordinate recurring drives collecting surgical bandages, battlefield first-aid kits, pediatric medical supplies, and winter apparel for civilians and soldiers enduring hardship in Ukraine.

The parish also provides comprehensive pastoral guidance and fraternal hospitality to newly arrived Ukrainian displaced persons settling across the Charlotte metropolitan area.

Chronological Milestones of Annunciation Parish

Parish Information & Contacts