Bishop Gerasim Visits on Sept 1:
We are delighted to announce that His Grace, the Right Reverend Gerasim, Bishop of Ft. Worth will visit St. Barbara’s on Sunday, September 1, Labor Day weekend. The timing corresponds with the start of the liturgical New Year. The faithful will greet His Grace at 9:30 am, at the front doors of the Church.
HIERARCHICAL LITURGY:
When members of a parish receive a hierarch into their midst, liturgical acts surrounding his visit can seem complicated, even overwhelming. We may increase our understanding, however, by viewing special features of the hierarchical liturgy as enhancements of acts normally performed each week by local clergy, but in a more simplified manner. The enhancements serve to emphasize the position of the bishop as a successor of the Apostles, a father-in-Christ for the entire diocese.
For instance, priests and deacons normally vest inside the sanctuary prior to each liturgy, while they quietly recite traditional prayers. Bishops, however, are most often vested in the center of the nave with great solemnity. The choir sings special hymns, while the deacon exclaims aloud the same vesting prayers normally said in private each week by local clergy. Subdeacons and altar servers reverently place each liturgical garment on the bishop, timing their movements with prayers chanted by the deacon. Thus, what takes local clergy about ten minutes to perform in silence each Sunday, takes about twenty minutes for a bishop, prayers said aloud, accompanied by a full choir.
After the formal vesting, and at various times throughout the liturgy, the bishop blesses the people. Priests do the same, simply by making the sign of the Cross with their hands. However, as the bishop blesses the faithful, the choir sings “Eis polla eti despota” (Many years Master). He also holds two special candelabras, the trikiri (three candles) and dikiri (two candles). Each represents a fundamental mystery of the Faith which bishops vow to teach and uphold: the Three Divine Persons of the Holy Trinity, and the two natures of Christ, fully divine, fully human.
There are two ceremonial hand washings for the bishop that take place during the service. Three altar servers are typically required, along with the presence of a deacon. Again, local clergy perform this same act, but only once prior to each liturgy, and without such ceremony.
And then, throughout the service there are familiar movements and prayers that take on a form unique to the hierarchical liturgy. For example, each time an item is given to the bishop, the server kisses his hand as a sign of love and respect, recognizing the bishop as a living icon of Christ. Typically, the priest’s hand is kissed only when he is given the censer, or when the deacon takes from him the Gospel book or Chalice.
Although petitions for His Grace are chanted each week, his physical presence requires a special emphasis: the clergy bow to him each time his name is mentioned. In addition, small round eagle rugs are placed on the floor wherever the bishop stands, a sign of leadership within the Church community.
Here, we have only scratched the surface. But again, it often helps to view particulars of the bishop’s visit more in terms of enhancements, rather than as totally new additions.
HIERARCHICAL RECEPTION:
The reception on September 1 may include all foods. The main dish is being planned, taking into consideration His Grace’s dietary requirements. Additional dishes and desserts will be needed. A sign-up sheet is posted in the Church Hall. Please see Matushka Christine for more information. 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 September 1. Please arrive prior to 9:30 am. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this joyous event.