Byzantine Outreach of Acadiana

The Byzantine Outreach in the Lafayette, Louisiana metropolitan area began taking shape in 2023 when two families reached out to Fr. Dcn. Gregory Haddad to explore the possibility of establishing a Byzantine mission in the Lafayette, Louisiana area. Recognizing the growing interest in Eastern Catholic traditions, Fr. Dcn. Haddad connected with these families, and the group expanded to include six founding families. Previously, the founding families had attended the following Byzantine churches: St. Mary's (Ambridge, PA), Holy Resurrection (Knoxville, TN), St. Basil's (Irving, TX), Three Hierarchs (San Antonio, TX), St. John Chrysostom (Houston, TX), St. Michael's (Clovis, CA), Holy Transfiguration (McLean, VA), Shrine of the Holy Family (Washington, D.C.), Ascension of Our Lord (Williamsburg, PA) and St. Nicholas of Myra (New Orleans, LA). A text group was formed to facilitate communication and coordination among the interested members.

Our first meeting at JJ's Pizza in Youngsville, LA, on January 26, 2024, enjoying both food and fellowship.

The first official meeting occurred on January 26, 2024, at JJ's Pizza in Youngsville, marking a key milestone. This gathering allowed the founding families and Fr. Dcn. Haddad to share ideas, build relationships, and plan the outreach's future.

After some searching, the group found two priests willing to help conduct the Divine Liturgy: Fr. Joseph Sigur of Beaumont and Fr. Brad Guillory of San Diego. Additionally, Fr. Joshua Guillory agreed to allow the Byzantine Outreach to use St. Patrick’s Church and fellowship hall on Sunday afternoons when not in use by St. Patrick’s parishioners.

Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of Mary

On November 10, 2024, we celebrated our first Byzantine Divine Liturgy in the Acadiana area at Carmelite Chapel at the monastery at 1250 Carmel Drive in Lafayette, Louisiana.

Each family brought icons for all of the children to enjoy

At Christmas, the Byzantine Outreach members gathered together in the fellowship hall at

St. Patrick's in order to learn about Byzantine traditions, share a meal, pray, and encourage one another. Father Deacon Haddad dressed up as St. Nicholas, and all the children received Christmas gifts. Everyone had a great time, especially the children!

Early this year, we were able to celebrate our first Divine Liturgy at St. Patrick's Church in Lafayette, LA. On February 2, 2025, we had 85 people attend our first Divine Liturgy. Following the Divine Liturgy, we met in the fellowship hall for a meal and refreshments.

Recently, four Outreach members drove to the Archeparcy in Pittsuburgh, Pennsylvania to acquire liturgical items. While in Pennsylvania and Ohio, they were able to attend a Diaconate Ordination and meet the Bishop of Parma! The first Divine Liturgy using some of these items is scheduled for July 20, 2025, in the St. Patrick’s Church fellowship hall. This grassroots movement reflects a dedicated effort to bring the rich Byzantine Rite traditions to Lafayette, uniting local Catholics in a unique spiritual journey within a predominantly Latin Rite region.

Items from Holy Resurrection mission in Knoxville, Tennesse will now be used by the Byzantine Outreach of Acadiana at St. Patrick's Church