Home · About

Orthodox Mission

About Us

An introduction to our history, heritage, and vision for an Orthodox mission in Meridian.

Our Story

Bringing the Ancient Faith Closer to Home

Treasure Valley Orthodox Mission began with a simple desire: to bring the ancient Orthodox faith closer to home for families living in Meridian, Nampa, and the western Treasure Valley.

Our mission grew out of a recognition that many Orthodox Christians — and those searching for Orthodoxy — live on the west side of the Treasure Valley but do not have a local Orthodox church to call home. Rather than making long drives to Boise each week, we saw an opportunity to plant a mission right here.

We are not a competition to the established Orthodox parishes in Boise. We are a mission — a new gathering of faithful people who want to build something lasting, local, and rooted in the traditions of the Church.

Our Heritage

Romanian, Greek, and Broadly Orthodox

We have deep Romanian Orthodox roots, shaped by the faithful dedication of Romanian families and the pastoral guidance of Fr. Florin Iftode. We are enriched by Greek Orthodox liturgical traditions. And we are shaped by the wider American Orthodox mission experience — welcoming convert families, multi-ethnic households, and anyone drawn to the beauty of the ancient faith.

Our services draw on the richness of both the Romanian and Greek Orthodox traditions. All are welcome — Orthodox Christians, inquirers, and those simply curious about what Orthodoxy is.

Divine Liturgy in the mission chapel

Why Meridian?

A Local Church Home for a Growing City

Meridian is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Families are moving to the Treasure Valley from across the country and the world. Many come with Orthodox backgrounds — Romanian, Greek, Antiochian, Russian, Serbian — and find themselves without a local parish.

We believe every family deserves a church home they can walk (or drive) to in their own neighborhood. Our mission is to be that home for the Orthodox community in Meridian and the surrounding area.

Gathering Location

Episcopal Church of the Holy Nativity

828 W Cherry Ln
Meridian, ID 83642

Our mission gathers here for Divine Liturgy, fellowship, and hospitality as we continue to grow.

Get Directions
Father Florin Iftode

Our Clergy

Fr. Florin Iftode — Guiding Priest

Father Florin serves our mission with great love and dedication. He travels to be with us each month for Divine Liturgy and is a faithful shepherd to our growing community. We are deeply grateful for his pastoral guidance and generous service.

Our Values

What Shapes Our Life Together

Faithfulness

Rooted in the ancient Orthodox tradition, unchanged and unchanging.

Hospitality

Every person is welcomed with warmth, regardless of background or familiarity with Orthodoxy.

Transparency

We are committed to honest communication about our finances, decisions, and future plans.

Service

The mission is built by volunteers who give their time, talent, and resources freely.

Unity

We are one body, drawing from Romanian, Greek, Slavic, American, and convert traditions.

Future Vision

Looking Ahead With Hope

Our vision for Treasure Valley Orthodox Mission is to grow into a permanent, self-sustaining Orthodox parish in Meridian. We hope to:

  • Increase the frequency of services as the community grows
  • Establish regular weeknight gatherings for prayer, study, and fellowship
  • Create programs for Orthodox youth and families
  • Build transparent stewardship practices so every member can see how donations are used
  • Eventually secure or build a permanent parish home in the Treasure Valley

We are in the early stages of this journey, and we are deeply grateful for every family and individual who is walking it with us.