Welcome to the Life-Giving Spring the Orthodox Church in Hot Springs!
We’re glad to see everyone who comes to our church — whether you’re a regular parishioner, a visitor from another city, or someone stepping inside an Orthodox church for the very first time. You are always a welcome guest here. Don’t worry if something feels unfamiliar — we’ll be happy to help and answer any questions you have.
What is Orthodoxy?
Orthodoxy is the ancient Eastern branch of Christianity that has preserved the original faith of the Apostles and the spiritual experience of the first Christian communities. Orthodox Christians worship the Holy Trinity: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ is true God and true Man, who came to earth for the salvation of humanity. He was crucified, rose on the third day, and ascended into heaven.
Today, Orthodoxy attracts people with the beauty of its services, its profound mysticism, and its unbroken connection to the Church of the first centuries. It is a universal faith that does not belong to any single nation. It lives and thrives in many different cultures all over the world.
What is the “Life-Giving Spring”?
The “Life-Giving Spring” is a venerated icon of the Mother of God in Orthodoxy. It symbolizes the Virgin Mary as an inexhaustible source of life and healing given to humanity through the birth of Christ.
The name dates back to the 5th century, when near Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul), the Most Holy Theotokos showed the future Emperor Leo Marcellus the way to heal a blind man through a miraculous spring of water and revealed Herself to the world as the true “Life-Giving Spring.”
The name of our church fits this place perfectly and naturally: the city of Hot Springs has been famous for thousands of years for its healing springs. The term “life-giving” was often used in reference to the local springs in American publications as far back as the 19th century. In addition, right inside our church building there is a real, active natural spring. This is the first such case in the entire history of Orthodoxy in America.
Service Schedule
Sunday:
– Hours — 8:30 a.m.
– Divine Liturgy — 9:00 a.m.
Services are conducted in Church Slavonic and usually last about 1.5–2 hours (Hours + Liturgy).
Shrines
For prayer, our church keeps:
– The icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring”
– Relics of the Venerable Saints of the Kyiv Caves
– Relics of St. Gabriel (Urgebadze)
– Relics of the New Martyr Elizabeth and other holy relics
Special Features of Our Church
Right inside the church building is a functioning historic healing spring. The water flows into a special font. You’ll see it as soon as you walk in.
Next to the church, under the same roof, is the “Eastern Christianity” museum space. It features icons, crosses, vestments, liturgical vessels, photographs, and historical documents.
Together, the church and the museum form a missionary center where both visitors and residents of Hot Springs can get to know the ancient and living heritage of the Orthodox Church.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can non-Orthodox people come? Yes — everyone is welcome! We’re glad to see each and every person.
Do I need to sign up in advance? No, just come whenever it’s convenient for you.
Is there parking? Yes, free parking right next to the church.
Can I speak with the priest? Of course. You can approach Fr. Vasyl after the service.
Contact & Directions
Address:
2026 Park Avenue,
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone: …
Email: lifegivingspring.church@gmail.com
The church is open daily from ___ to ____.
Our Location
We would be very happy to see you!
If you have any questions — call, write, or simply come by.