On Saturday, October 19, 2013, 184 Christians from 24 Orthodox churches around the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area and beyond converged on the National Mall for the inaugural Monumental Missions Walk. Sponsored by the Metropolitan D.C. Orthodox Christian Mission and Outreach Committee, the first annual Monumental Missions Walk was a three-mile long spiritual stroll past some of the Nation’s most important landmarks.
At each designated monument along the route, small groups of participants learned about the historical significance of the landmark and gained insight into the role that the Christian faith has played in the history of this great country. The Monumental Missions Walk afforded participants the unique opportunity to pause and admire these important places of reflection through the unique lens of Christian faith.
In addition to providing participants with this unique opportunity to explore America’s treasured landmarks, the goal of the Monumental Missions Walk was to raise money for local and international charities. Of the proceeds raised by the Monumental Missions Walk, a portion will go to support the Orthodox Christians Mission Center’s (OCMC) efforts to support Orthodox mission-work around the globe, with the remainder donated to local metropolitan D.C. charities. The success of the inaugural Monumental Missions Walk not only depended on the kindness and fellowship of Orthodox Christians in the Washington, D.C. area but also on the hard work and many hours donated by over 25 volunteers.