Our Beliefs

St. Stephen’s is a multi-cultural and multi-lingual Anglican church seeking to extend the transformative love of God to Athens and beyond. As an Anglican parish in the catholic tradition, we seek to worship God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit in the “beauty of holiness”. Our liturgy is reverent, historic, and contemplative. We profess the Christian faith as outlined by the Holy Scriptures, the Creeds, the 7 Ecumenical Councils, and the living consensus of the Church East and West. Our Christian life centers on ‘Common Prayer’, fellowship, and service.

A congregation gathered inside a church during a service, with some people standing and others sitting in wooden pews. The church has stained glass windows, wooden beams, and a cross on the wall at the front. Clergy or church leaders are conducting the service at the altar.
A priest in purple vestments holding a chalice during a church service, with altar and stained glass window in the background.

  • To be a thriving Anglican parish in the catholic tradition where ancient worship forms faithful disciples, young families, and long-time members grow together in Christ, and the light of the Gospel shines boldly into the life of the university and the city of Athens.

Religious iconography depicting the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ surrounded by saints, with candles on a black wrought iron candle holder in front.

  • To grow as a vibrant and flourishing Anglo-Catholic parish where reverent worship, faithful teaching, and the sacramental life form new generations of disciples, and minister to our community.

Three people and a black poodle standing outdoors on a brick patio with greenery and a building in background. One person is dressed in a religious robe, the others are casually dressed, and they are posing for the photo.

  • Family: To cultivate a welcoming, vibrant, and inclusive parish community rooted in family life.

    Service: To extend the Love of God to Athens and the University of Georgia in works of mercy, outreach, support, and mission.

    Tradition: To develop a robust faith, rooted in the historical worshipping life of the church and the consensus of the Catholic Church, as we join together in parish education and formation.

    Growth: To develop a spirit of healthy growth as we gather in a thriving community to seek sanctification together.

At St. Stephen’s Church, we seek to proclaim Jesus Christ and make disciples through the beauty of historical Christian worship, the truth of the Gospel, and the life-giving grace of the Sacraments. Rooted in the Catholic faith, we strive to form a parish where lives are transformed by the love of God.

We honor with gratitude the faithful members who have built and sustained this parish for more than forty years, and we commit ourselves to continuing that legacy of devotion, generosity, and perseverance. At the same time, we look forward with hope, welcoming new generations—especially young families—into a community where children are nurtured in faith, friendships are formed in Christ, and the household of God grows strong.

Situated in an easily accessible corner of Athens, we seek to be a spiritual home not only for our parishioners but also for the wider community. We desire to engage thoughtfully and pastorally with the life of the university, offering students and scholars a place of worship, intellectual depth, and spiritual home in the midst of academic life.

What are the 7 Sacraments?

A woman receiving a religious blessing from a priest during a church wedding ceremony, with altar servers standing nearby.

  • Baptism is the beginning of the Christian life. We believe that we are baptized into Christ and made a new creation. Our sins (both original and actual) are forgiven, and we become members of the Body of Christ. If you wish to be baptized or have your children baptized, please get in touch with our clergy.

  • Christ promised to send the Holy Spirit when he ascended into Heaven, and in the Acts of the Apostles, we see the Apostles laying hands on those who had been baptized so that they might be given the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is exactly what happens in Confirmation. We are strengthened by the Holy Spirit to live a holy and grace-filled life. If you wish to be confirmed or wish your children to be confirmed, please contact the clergy. Regular confirmation classes are offered throughout the year for new members or children.

  • We believe that the Mass is the source and summit of our faith. In Holy Communion, we believe that Christ’s once and for all sacrifice on Calvary is re-presented to us (not repeated) and that Our Lord makes himself present, Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity under the form of bread and wine.

  • Confession is the sacrament of reconciliation where the penitent confesses their sin, receives absolution, and is given a penance. The beauty of confession is that it restores us to a right relationship with God. Confessions are heard by appointment or on Wednesdays and Fridays at 11.00 am.

  • In his sacrament, through the priest's ministry, Christ reaches out to touch the sick and the suffering. We pray for physical and spiritual healing and trust that Christ, in his mercy, will give the sick the hope and strength to overcome their distress. For pastoral emergencies in which ‘last rites’ are required, don't hesitate to contact our clergy!

  • The sacrament of ordination is rooted in the ministry and priesthood of Jesus Christ. As our Great High Priest, he calls some to serve as Bishops, Priests and Deacons. These orders govern, instruct, form, and administer the sacraments to the Church in direct succession from Christ and the Apostles.

  • The Sacrament of Marriage is a covenant or vow that expresses a relational reality. The Marriage covenant, between husband and wife is a permanent union of persons who, through this sacrament, are given the grace to grow together in love for each other and God. If this is something you are interested in, please contact the clergy for more information.