He Converted to Orthodoxy, His Protestant Family Didn't Disown Him: They Joined His Mission!
Two Christian Brothers Build Orthodox Chapels Across America With Family's Full Support
Two brothers from Colorado are embarking on an ambitious mission to build one Orthodox chapel per year in every US state, proving that the love of Christ transcends denominational boundaries within families.
Sam Greska, an Orthodox Christian, and his brother Joe Greska have partnered with Shepherds Shield, a Christian humanitarian organization, to launch a 50 year project constructing traditional Orthodox chapels from coast to coast. The initiative aims to strengthen Christian presence across America one state at a time.
What makes their story remarkable is not just the scale of their vision, but the family dynamic behind it. Sam converted to Orthodox Christianity while the rest of his family, including Joe, remains Protestant. Rather than allowing theological differences to divide them, the Greska family has rallied behind Sam's calling.
Colorado Brothers Unite Protestant and Orthodox Christians Through Chapel Building
Joe Greska, though Protestant himself, serves as his brother's right hand in the chapel building initiative. Their partnership demonstrates that building God's kingdom matters more than denominational labels. The family's support reflects a deeper truth: when Christ is the foundation, differences in worship style become secondary to the mission.
Each chapel will follow traditional Orthodox architectural principles while serving as a gathering place for Christian worship and community. The brothers plan to work with local Orthodox communities in each state to identify locations where chapels are most needed.
Shepherds Shield, a 501(c)(3) organization is backing the project, has a track record of supporting persecuted Christians globally and defending religious freedom. Their involvement brings organizational infrastructure, fundraising capacity, and credibility to the brothers' vision.
The first chapel location has not been announced, and is being built brick by brick...
But the Greska brothers are currently in planning stages and seeking partnerships with Orthodox dioceses nationwide. The project timeline spans half a century, making it a multi generational commitment to Christian infrastructure in America.
You can contact the brothers directly at www.instagram.com/thehillcrestmanor
THE CRUSADER'S OPINION
This is what the Church should look like. Always.
A Protestant family watching their son embrace Orthodoxy and saying, "We will help you build for Christ." No division. No theological warfare. Just a family unified by one Lord, one faith, one baptism, working together to strengthen Christianity in a nation that desperately needs it.
The American Church wastes so much energy fighting over denominations while the culture burns around us. The Greska family understands something most Christians miss: we are on the same team. Orthodox, Protestant, Catholic. We serve the same King.
Fifty chapels. Fifty states. Fifty years. That is not just construction. That is legacy. That is faith that outlives you. That is what happens when families decide the Gospel matters more than being right about everything else.
This project will outlive both brothers. Their children's children will worship in buildings they never saw completed. That is Christianity done right.
TAKE ACTION
Support the Chapel Building Project: Shepherds Shield: https://www.shepherdsshield.org Email: contact information pending (project in planning stages)
Learn About Orthodox Christianity: Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States: https://www.assemblyofbishops.org
Find an Orthodox Church Near You: Orthodox Church in America Parish Locator: https://www.oca.org/parishes
Support Christian Unity Initiatives: Christians Together (UK based ecumenical ministry): https://www.christianstogether.net
Donate to Chapel Construction: Contact Shepherds Shield directly to contribute to the 50 State Chapel Initiative. Every dollar goes toward building permanent Christian presence across America.
Suggested Action: If you have family members in different Christian traditions, start a conversation about what unites you rather than what divides you. Ask them: "How can we build God's kingdom together?" The Greska family chose unity. Your family can too. Share this story as an example of what Christian love actually looks like in practice.
