About Holy Apostles Orthodox Church
Holy Apostles Orthodox Church in Sandpoint, Idaho, was founded in 2025 through the missionary efforts of Fr. Gregory Horton, the pastor and parish priest from Holy Myrrhbearers Antiochian Orthodox Church in Naples, Idaho.
The parish was formally established in September 2025 under the spiritual guidance and canonical authority of His Grace Bishop Maxim of the Diocese of Western America, based in Los Angeles. Bishop Maxim appointed Fr. Laurent Cleenewerck as the rector to lead this vibrant mission parish.
As a parish of the Serbian Orthodox Church, Holy Apostles is in full communion with the Orthodox Church worldwide, under the Patriarchate of Serbia. Bishop Maxim’s is a member in the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of North and Central America (Assembly of Bishops).
Holy Apostles is a missionary and apostolic parish, joyfully serving both cradle Orthodox Christians and those new to the faith, including converts and seekers. All services are conducted in English, welcoming all to experience the eternal beauty and truth of Orthodox worship, including Vespers, Hours, and Divine Liturgy. We invite you to join our community as we grow together in faith, love, and service to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
More About Holy Apostles Orthodox Church
Welcome to Holy Apostles Orthodox Church, a vibrant parish of the Diocese of Western America (under Bishop Maxim of Los Angeles-Alhambra), located in the heart of Sandpoint, Idaho.
Nestled amid the beauty of the Selkirk Mountains and Lake Pend Oreille, our community is a beacon of faith, uniting believers in worship, fellowship, and service to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Founded to serve the growing Orthodox community in North Idaho, Holy Apostles is a spiritual home for those seeking the ancient Christian faith in a modern world.
What is the Orthodox Church?
The Orthodox Christian Church is the ancient, undivided Body of Christ, established by the Holy Apostles on the Day of Pentecost nearly 2,000 years ago. Through an unbroken chain of apostolic succession, we preserve the Faith handed down from the Apostles, safeguarding the teachings, worship, and sacramental life of the early Church.
In a world of diverse Christian expressions, the Orthodox Church stands as a faithful witness to the apostolic tradition. It is evangelical, but not Protestant: We boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, calling all to repentance and new life, yet we do so within the richness of sacred Tradition and the sacramental life, not through the reforms of the 16th century.
It is orthodox, but not Jewish: We uphold the true doctrine (orthodoxy) of the Apostles, guarding the Faith against innovation, while embracing the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Christ—neither bound by Mosaic law nor detached from its prophetic roots.
It is catholic, but not Roman Catholic: We confess the wholeness of the Church everywhere the Eucharist is celebrated under the authority of an apostolic successor, welcoming believers from every nation and culture into the one, holy, catholic, and apostolic faith of the Nicene Creed. Yet we are not under the centralized (and absolute) authority of the Roman See, but governed collegially by bishops in communion, preserving the conciliar spirit of the early ecumenical councils.
Finally, it is not denominational or “non-denominational” (which really means an independent form of Protestantism) —it is pre-denominational. Before the schisms and divisions of Christian history, there was the Orthodox Church: the undivided Church born at Pentecost, continuing organically to this day.
Our Parish Life
At Holy Apostles in Sandpoint, we strive to live out this ancient faith in a close-knit community. Our worship centers on the Divine Liturgy, where we encounter the living Christ in the mystery of the Eucharist. We gather every Sunday at 10:00 AM for Divine Liturgy, followed by fellowship, and offer Vespers on Saturday evenings at 6:00 PM. Throughout the week, we provide opportunities for spiritual growth through Bible studies, prayer services, and classes on the Orthodox faith.
Our parish is a diverse family—cradle Orthodox, converts, families, and individuals from all walks of life—united by our love for Christ and commitment to one another. We engage in local outreach, support missions, and serve those in need in the Sandpoint area, reflecting Christ’s call to love our neighbors. From the joy of Pascha to the quiet intimacy of confession and anointing, our parish life is a journey of transformation and communion with God.
Join Us in Sandpoint
Whether you’re a lifelong Orthodox Christian or discovering Orthodoxy for the first time, Holy Apostles welcomes you. We believe the Orthodox Church offers the fullness of the Christian life: a path of redemption, healing, and union with God. Come experience the beauty of our worship, the warmth of our community, and the timeless truth of the Orthodox faith.
In the love of the Holy Apostles,
The Parish Family of Holy Apostles Orthodox Church
Sandpoint, Idaho
