(Some of the following information taken from the Service Book of the Holy Orthodox-Catholic Apostolic Church, trans. Isabel Hapgood; oca.org; acrod.org; and from recent DOS communications.)

On Tuesday, May 18, 2021, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America, meeting in their regular Spring 2021 Session, elected the Very Reverend Archimandrite Gerasim (Eliel) Bishop of Fort Worth, Auxiliary to His Eminence Archbishop Alexander and the Diocese of the South.  Currently, Archimandrite Gerasim is the Dean of St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas and Administrator of the Diocese of the South.

CONSECRATION:

Bishop-elect Gerasim will be consecrated on the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at St. Seraphim Cathedral.  Participating bishops will be greeted formally that day by clergy and laity at 9:00 am. A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will follow, along with a reception. 

According to Canon I of the Apostolic Canons (4th century), the consecration of a bishop (the laying on of hands) must be accomplished by three or more hierarchs. On rare occasions two hierarchs may perform the consecration. The elevation of the candidate takes place early within the Liturgy, prior to the reading of Scripture. The timing of the consecration – before the Epistle and Gospel lessons – indicates the bishop’s main responsibility as a teacher of the Faith.  After the singing of “Holy God…” the bishop-elect kneels in front of the Altar table, touching it with his forehead.  The Book of the Gospels is opened and laid upon his neck, with the writing pointed downward.  The consecrating bishops place their hands on the Gospel and say the prayer of consecration, asking for the descent and grace of the Holy Spirit.  The new bishop is then clothed in the vestments of his office and presented to the people.  The faithful exclaim three times, “Axios!” (He is worthy!).  The Hierarchical Liturgy continues in normal fashion.   

The laying on of hands has Biblical foundations: Acts 1:15-26; Acts 6: 2-6; 1 Timothy 4:14 and 2 Timothy 1:6. Prior to the Liturgy on June 29, Bishop Gerasim will make a public Statement of Faith, and a public Profession of Faith the night before, just prior to Great Vespers.

ENTHRONEMENT:

The newly ordained will be Enthroned as Bishop of Ft. Worth on the Feast of the Synaxis of the Apostles, Wednesday, June 30, 2021 at St. Barbara Orthodox Church in Ft. Worth.  A Hierarchical Divine Liturgy will be celebrated that morning. The bishops will be greeted formally at 9:00 am with the traditional bread and salt, as well as flowers. Bishop Gerasim and Archbishop Alexander will officiate, along with additional clergy. The official prayer of Installation or Enthronement will take place at the end of the service. A Lenten reception will follow in the parish hall.

YOUR HELP NEEDED AND GREATLY APPRECIATED:

Preparations are being made for the Enthronement on June 30 at St. Barbara’s.  In the next week a cleaning date (prior to Pentecost) will be announced.  A set-up schedule (table and chairs) will also be announced as more information is received about visiting dignitaries.  We would like to have as well, a list of greeters and of reception (kitchen) crew members. A rehearsal for Altar servers might be possible with Dr. Vitaly Permiakov and Antwain Davis who will join us that week.  Your help in these areas will be most appreciated.  Thank you in advance.  Please see Fr. Basil or Matushka Christine for more details.

PARENTS:

Parents may wish to review with children the proper way of receiving a blessing from a Bishop.  When addressing directly Metropolitan Tikhon we say, “Your Beatitude…” When addressing directly Archbishop Alexander we say, “Your Eminence…”  When addressing Bishop Gerasim we will say, “Your Grace…” We simply extend both hands, placing the right hand (open) inside the left.  The bishop will then place his right hand in ours after making the sign of the Cross.  We then kiss his right hand.  Similar to when one receives a blessing from a priest. 

The following petitions may be used until the time of Archimandrite Gerasim’s consecration:

PRAYERS FOR THE BISHOP-ELECT:

Again, we pray thee, O Lord our God: through thy grace and compassion, have mercy on thy servant, Archimandrite Gerasim, Bishop-elect of Fort Worth. Fulfill all his petitions and forgive all his sins; accept his prayers and alms before the throne of thy dominion, and protect him from all enemies, both visible and invisible; deliver him from temptation, sorrow, danger, and distress; keep him firm in the faith, and grant him health and length of days. Let us all say: O Lord, hearken and have mercy.

O Master who lovest mankind, look down with a merciful eye upon thy servant, Archimandrite Gerasim, Bishop-elect of Fort Worth, and give ear to our prayer offered in faith, for thou thyself hast said, “All things whatsoever ye would ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.” Wherefore, though we are unworthy, yet we hope in thy mercy, and we beseech thee: Show mercy upon thy servant; fulfill all his good desires; keep him steadfast in the faith, and preserve him in peace, safety, honor, health, and length of days. Let us all say: quickly hearken and have mercy.