Introduction
On March 13, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we will be blessed with a pastoral visit by His Grace the Right Reverend Gerasim, Bishop of Ft. Worth.
The faithful will greet His Grace Gerasim at 9:30 am, at the front doors of the Church. We ask that everyone be in Church prior to the greeting: 9:15 or 9:20 am would be good. Those with food for the reception should arrive a bit earlier if possible. People may also congregate in the hall to take photos. As the greeting and procession get under way, the faithful located in the hall should walk behind the bishop and clergy into the Church, and then remain in place for the vesting and/or the reading of the Hours, as well as for the Liturgy proper.
When the bishop enters the building, he will be met with both bread and salt, as well as a bouquet of flowers. These are offered as signs of love, respect and hospitality. Throughout the service the choir and faithful will sing, multiple times in Greek, Eis Polla Eti Despota! “Many years to you, Master.” A more extended version will also be sung, translated: “Preserve O Lord, our Master and Bishop: Many years to you, Master.”
The current plan is to vest Bishop Gerasim in the center of the Church prior to the Liturgy, starting at 9:30 am, aided by two deacons, subdeacons and servers. The service proper will begin at approximately 10:00 am. A procession around the Church with Icons will follow at approximately 11:45 am, followed as well by a Lenten reception.
Customarily, when receiving a hierarch into their midst, Orthodox Christians in America maintain a balance between formalities, and experiencing the bishop as a father in Christ who desires to maintain a loving relationship with his flock. We offer great respect and proper protocol. We do so, though, with love, knowing that His Grace is “one of us.” Together we strive to, “work out our salvation with fear and trembling,” as told to us by St. Paul. With these things in mind, we look forward to Bishop Gerasim’s visit.
Lenten Reception March 13
In light of the Great Fast and His Grace’s dietary requirements, the Reception on March 13 will be Lenten (Fasting Foods). The main dish has been planned and will be provided, but additional Lenten dishes and desserts will be needed. A sign-up sheet has been posted in the Church Hall. Please see Matushka Christine for more information concerning the reception.
photo courtesy of Ruth Harrell