Who We Are
An Orthodox Christian mission in Cape Girardeau.
Our Mission
Gathered around the ancient worship of the Church
St. Justin Orthodox Church is a small, growing mission parish in the heart of Cape Girardeau, part of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR). We gather around the ancient worship of the Church, unchanged for two thousand years, to pray, to learn, and to grow together in Christ.
Whether you have worshipped in Orthodoxy your whole life or are simply curious and visiting for the first time, you are warmly welcome here.
Come and see.
Our Story
A young mission, taking root
St. Justin began in April 2024 with the blessing of Archbishop Peter, gathering first for reader services: prayers led by the faithful as the young mission took root. As the community grew, it moved in November 2025 to 334 N Frederick St, near Southeast Missouri State University. We are, by God's grace, the first parish in North America dedicated to St. Justin of Celije.
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2024
Founded with the blessing of Archbishop Peter; the first reader services.
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Nov 2025
A new home: the move to 334 N Frederick St, near SEMO.
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Today
A growing mission, gathering around the ancient worship of the Church.
Our Patron
St. Justin of Celije
Our parish is placed under the protection of St. Justin Popovic of Celije (1894 to 1979), a Serbian archimandrite (a senior monastic), theologian, and confessor of the faith, who reposed in 1979 and was glorified (recognized as a saint) in 2010.
A teacher of immense learning and deep humility, he gave his life to Christ and to his monastic community in Serbia. In all his writing he returned to a single measure: that the whole meaning of human life is found in the God-man, Jesus Christ.
This is a photograph of St. Justin himself. He gave his life to prayer and teaching at the Celije Monastery in Serbia, reposed in 1979, and was glorified as a saint by the Church in 2010. His writings and his example continue to guide the faithful today.
A historical photograph, not a liturgical icon. The icon of St. Justin appears in the panel above.
Our Jurisdiction
The Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia
Every Orthodox parish belongs to the wider Church, and we are blessed to be part of a living communion of parishes and bishops.
St. Justin is a canonical parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), within the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America. This is our assurance of standing in the one, historic Orthodox Church.
Our Clergy
Those who serve the altar
Our parish is served by Archpriest Sergii Alekseev (Fr. Sergii), together with Deacon Seth Williams and Deacon Peter Longan.
Meet Our Clergy →Come and See
There is a place for you here
The best way to know us is to pray with us.
Plan Your Visit
What to expect at your first service: where to park, when to arrive, and how to follow along.
Learn About Orthodoxy
An introduction to the ancient faith: its worship, its saints, and its life in Christ.
Get Involved
Ways to take part in the life of the parish: in prayer, in service, and in community.
The church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.1 Timothy 3:15