Visit of Bishop Gerasim on May 14

We are excited to announce that His Grace, the Right Reverend Gerasim, Bishop of Ft. Worth will visit St. Barbara’s on May 14, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman and also Mother’s Day.

We are especially happy that his visit will take place during the Paschal (Easter) Season.   

The faithful will greet His Grace at 9:30 am, at the front doors of the Church. 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 and to the celebratory reception to follow the Divine Liturgy.  

The liturgical focus that weekend – in addition to the Resurrection – will be the Woman of Samaria and her conversation with Christ at Jacob’s Well (John 4).  The theme of “living water” will be emphasized, as well as the recognition of Jesus as God’s Messiah (John 4: 10-11; 25-26).  We will be reminded of our new life in Him, of our own drinking of the “living water,” and of the true worship of God experienced in the Christian Messianic Age “in Spirit and in Truth” (John 4: 23-24).  We will hear as well, that salvation is offered to all:  Jews and Gentiles, men and women, saints and sinners (Fr. Thomas Hopko:  The Orthodox Faith, Volume II).

HIERARCHICAL RECEPTION

In light of Pascha, the Reception on May 14 may include all foods. The main dish has been planned taking into consideration His Grace’s dietary requirements. Additional dishes and desserts will be needed.  A sign-up sheet will be posted in the Church Hall. Please see Matushka Christine for more information.

In addition, we will be planning a cleaning day closer to May 14, as well as special choir and altar-server rehearsals.  As is customary, His Grace will be accompanied by at least one deacon, as well as subdeacons from the Cathedral.  

We will see everyone on May 14. Please arrive prior to 9:30 am. Thank you.     

Confession and Church School

This month’s General Confession will be conducted on Wednesday, May 17, at 6:00 pm.  Because of Bishop Gerasim’s visit May’s Church School Class will meet on Saturday, May 20 at 4:30 pm, prior to Great Vespers.