Enthronement of His Grace, Gerasim

Bishop of Ft. Worth

On Tuesday, June 29, the Feast of Ss. Peter and Paul, Archimandrite Gerasim (Eliel) was elevated to the Episcopacy at St. Seraphim Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas. His Grace, the Right Reverend Gerasim, Auxiliary to His Eminence, the Most Reverend Alexander, was then Enthroned as Bishop of Ft. Worth, Wednesday, June 30 at St. Barbara Orthodox Church.

By several estimates close to 250 people gathered for Wednesday’s Pontifical Liturgy. Bishop Gerasim celebrated the service along with over a dozen priests, over a half dozen deacons and subdeacons, including Archpriest Marcus Burch (Chancellor), Archpriest Chad Hatfield (St. Vladimir’s Seminary), Archpriest John Parker (St. Tikhon’s Seminary), Archpriest Basil Zebrun (St. Barbara Church), Protodeacon Steven Kroll (St. Seraphim Cathedral), Deacons Theophan Warren and Gregory Conley (St. Seraphim Cathedral), as well as Professor and Subdeacon Vitaly Permiakov (St. Vladimir’s Seminary). Also present but not serving were His Eminence Archbishop Alexander of Dallas, the South and the Bulgarian Diocese, His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Nikozi and Tskhinvali (Georgian Orthodox Church), and His Grace Bishop James of Sonora, Second Vicar of the Western American Diocese (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia).

A magnificent 30 + voice choir led the faithful in worship, directed by Deacon Anthony Stokes of St. Maximus Church in Denton. The Lenten meal, decorations and general arrangements were exquisitely prepared and executed by members and friends of St. Barbara Church. These quiet, behind the scenes workers, as well as everyone who gave of themselves to make this occasion extra special, deserve a great amount of thanks.

While the Liturgy started at 9:00 am with the entrance of the hierarchs, the last guests left the parish around 5:00 pm. As the afternoon progressed a relaxed atmosphere developed. Remaining guests began to unwind and enjoy quiet fellowship and conversation.

God is praised for the beauty of the day, and for the gift of His Grace, Gerasim, Bishop of Ft. Worth. May the Lord bless his ministry and give him, “health, length of days and furtherance in all good things!” Many years! Eis Polla Eti Despota!

All Photos provided by Bob Guarnieri Photography of Ft. Worth.