About Us - Holy Trinity Church of America

Welcome to the Community of Holy Trinity Orthodox Church of America

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain newcomers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” (Hebrews 13:1-2)

According to recent research in a book titled “The Great Dechurching,” nearly 40 million evangelical Christians have walked away from church. During COVID, 15 million people woke up on Sunday mornings and realized their lives weren’t better off because of church. While megachurches have exploded, communities across America are littered with empty church buildings.

Polls show that Americans consider themselves spiritual, but not necessarily religious. They want relationships with other Christians, to know God, and to experience Him. If you’re ready for reverence, aweness, encouragement, inspiration, and healing… If you’re ready for a different experience, a more mystical experience with the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, we may be the church for you.

Over the last few years, Americans have begun discovering and joining the Orthodox Church in large numbers due to the richness of its 2,000-year history, beautiful expressions of Christian worship, a comprehensive understanding of things both visible and invisible… And a rich, deep theological perspective.

Holy Trinity Church believes in the mysteries of God. Through the sacraments (Baptism/Chrismation, Eucharist (Holy Communion), Confession, Holy Unction (Healing/Annointing with Oil), Marriage, and Ordination), we experience the grace of God through the crucifixion, burial, resurrection, and ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ through His one Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic Church.

Holy Trinity Church is a part of the American Orthodox Catholic Church.

The word “Orthodox” is central to who we are, what and how we believe and practice our faith. The term means “right belief” or “true worship” and reflects our commitment to preserving the fullness of the Christian faith as taught by Christ, handed down by the apostles, and safeguarded by the early Church.

We strive to be a community that holds to the teachings of the Apostles and the ancient church (Learn more about Orthodox Christianity). We are relational, liturgical, sacramental, expositional, and vibrant.

About Father Don Purdum

Father Don Purdum is a veteran of the United States Navy and served as a Chaplain Candidate in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard for five years. He graduated from Lancaster Bible College with a B.S. in Bible and Pastoral Studies, and attended Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and Dallas Theological Seminary. He has been in pastoral ministry since 1998. Additionally, Father Don holds a Master’s Degree in Political Management from George Washington University (GWU).

In addition to his role as Pastor/Priest of Holy Trinity Church, Fr. Don is also the Executive Director of the Faith and Trust Foundation and has a vibrant counseling ministry for married couples, divorcees, parents, and those seeking general pastoral care. He is also a prolific writer and video creator. You can find him on Facebook and YouTube.

In December 2023, Archbishop Wayne Daniels (of the NE Archdiocese of the American Orthodox Catholic Church), in the presence of his wife, Nicole, ordained Don Purdum as a Deacon. In the Orthodox faith, Deacons are very different from those in protestant traditions. They are the hands and feet of Christ everywhere they go. They are active in worship services as the bridge between the parishioners and the priest.

Yet, Deacon Don didn’t have a church. His calling was to establish a “parish mission.” Another word for it is a “church plant.” Soon after ordination in January 2024, then-Father Deacon Don Purdum got to work. He established a small Bible-Study in his home to share the basic ideas of grace and salvation found in the Old Testament. During this time, he also established the Faith and Trust Foundation and contributes regular video blogs on Facebook and YouTube.

In September 2024, Fr. Don started a men’s group at The Spot in Elizabethtown, PA. While small, this group met regularly to talk about the unique challenges Christian men face in culture, work, and home.

Fast forward to June 8, 2025 (Pentecost), when Archbishop Daniels elevated Deacon Don to Father Don. As a priest and pastor, Fr. Don shepherds several families in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. For months, we met at homes while looking for a place where we could worship. In August 2025, the local Coptic Orthodox Church blessed us by allowing our mission parish to use their church building.

In May 2026, Holy Trinity AOCC found a permanent church home in Mt. Joy, PA (See below). We are excited by what God is doing and look forward to being an integral part of the community.

Our story is just getting started. If you’re looking for a church home, are interested in learning about ancient Christianity and its impact on our world today, I encourage you to schedule a one-hour meeting with Father Don over a cup of coffee. There is no obligation except for fellowship and getting to know one another. We’ll meet at the Starbucks at 1576 Strickler Rd, Mount Joy, PA 17552 or Forklore in Elizabethown.

COMING SOON!!!

Be on the lookout as our Church home is changing. Coming in early June… We will take up residence at:

100 New Haven St., Mt. Joy, PA 17522

More to come.