On July 10, 2025, a significant event for Orthodoxy in America took place in Hot Springs. Archbishop Elpidophoros of America presided over the consecration ceremony of the new church of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate, dedicated to the icon of the Mother of God “The Life-Giving Spring.”
What makes this church unique is that a natural healing spring is located inside the building — the first case of its kind in the history of Orthodoxy in the United States. Together with the church, the “Eastern Christianity” museum space was also consecrated, featuring icons, liturgical vessels, historical documents, photographs, and more.
After the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Elpidophoros presented the highest award of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America — the Medal of St. Apostle Paul — to Ivan Bely, the founder and builder of the church, the spring, and the museum. As the medal was presented, the proclamation “Axios!” (Greek for “He is worthy!”) was chanted.
This award symbolizes the Church’s profound respect for a man who, like the Apostle Paul, has labored tirelessly to preach the Gospel and strengthen the faith. The medal recognizes Ivan Bely’s substantial contribution to the development of the Orthodox mission and the building of spiritual centers in the United States. He is well known for his many years of dedicated service in the Slavic Vicariate — in particular, for founding the parishes of St. John the Forerunner in Brooklyn, New York, and St. Matrona in Miami, Florida, as well as for the revival of St. Nicholas Monastery in Fort Myers, Florida. For years he has devoted himself to creating this unique complex in Arkansas. Today, the church and museum together form a single missionary center where both locals and visitors to Hot Springs can become acquainted with the ancient heritage of the Orthodox Church.
