Christ is Risen!
The visit of Bishop Gerasim on May 14 was particularly joyful, coming as it did during the Paschal Season. By two counts, just over one hundred people participated in the Pontifical Liturgy and reception afterwards. Guests included members from St. Seraphim Cathedral who helped sing in the choir and serve in the sanctuary. Around the altar were one bishop, one priest, one protodeacon and eight altar-servers, including our own Methodios Bennett, Alex Roberts, Justin Ruehle and Adrian Schauer. We were blessed with additional visitors from throughout the Metroplex and from out of state.
THE GREETING
His Grace was greeted at his car by Roy (Rdr. Demetrios) Hall. As Bishop Gerasim entered the building a colorful bouquet of flowers was presented by Holly (Katherine) Smith; bread and salt, symbols of hospitality, were presented by Vedon (Spyridon) Otto; and the Cross for veneration by Fr. Basil. A number of adults and small children stood quietly in the entryway also, to welcome the bishop. The choir under the direction of Rdr. Stephen Bodnarchuk sang traditional entrance hymns, after which the bishop was vested in the center of the Church. The slow, processional singing of The Angel Cried was emotionally moving as Protodeacon Steven Kroll read aloud the entrance prayers.
THE LITURGY
His Grace began the service just prior to 10:00 am from the center of the Church. A well-rehearsed four-part choir of eight, sang hymns and responses. Choir members included Rdr. Stephen Bodnarchuk, John Bradley Benson, Jamie Lynn Gonzalez, Lydia Leal, Anna Osborne, Steven Tinker, along with three additional singers that included a tenor and two visiting altos from St. Seraphim’s. Members of the congregation added their voices, especially during The Litanies, The Creed, The Angel Cried and The Lord’s Prayer, as well as during the Paschal Canon (with many Christ is Risen’s) while the clergy received Communion.
The Liturgy on Sunday, May 14, provided overall a beautiful worship experience. Choir members put in many hours, weeks prior, setting up and rehearsing special hierarchical music. Altar servers held a related workshop in preparation for this event. Minor liturgical “hiccups” were experienced by clergy, choir and servers, as can be expected whenever a bishop visits. However, numerous compliments expressed delight with the overall beauty of the service. Each visit by Bishop Gerasim is a learning experience, serving to reinforce in our minds the unique order of a Pontifical Liturgy.
The Epistle lesson was chanted by Roy (Rdr. Demetrios) Hall: Acts 11:19-26, 29-30. His Grace’s sermon focused on the main Scripture reading for the day: John 4:5-42, our Lord’s encounter with the Samaritan Woman. He contrasted the Gospel’s description of the Jews’ rejection of the Samaritans with the love and openness of Christ. He further emphasized that in the end, Jesus is not concerned with the where’s and when’s of worship, but that people approach God sincerely, from the depths of their hearts, in spirit and in truth.
THE RECEPTION
The post-liturgical reception was in some ways as wonderful as the service itself. The meal began at approximately 12:35 pm with Bishop Gerasim offering a prayer of blessing after the singing of Christ is Risen. Food and drink were in abundance. The overall layout and décor were carryovers of Pascha, with brightly colored floral arrangements, center-pieces, mint green table coverings, as well as further recent additions.
Matushka Christine Zebrun, Barbara Connelly, Carol Guanieri, Alla Macchia, Ada Nicholson, Lynn Powers and a crew of many hard-working individuals tended to decorations, to serving our guests and to the preparation of a wide variety of breads, salads, meats, casseroles, main course dishes, fruits, regular and Paschal desserts, along with the purchase of select sodas and beverages.
A special thanks is extended to the many members and friends of St. Barbara’s who brought their own favorite and unique foods, adding greatly to the reception. The selection was amazing. A cleaning crew earlier in the week saw to the cleanliness of the building: Les and Ada Nicholson, Lucie Muns, Svetlana and Olga Tsarkova and Fr. Basil. Professional photographs were taken by Bob Guarnieri throughout the morning of May 14.
THE GOODBYE’S
The last individuals to depart from St. Barbara’s did so at around 3:00 pm, having had, what seemed to be, a full day of worship, fellowship and joyous celebration. His Grace stayed with us for much of the early afternoon visiting with members and friends until his departure to the airport for yet another Episcopal visitation. Many approached him for a blessing before they left.
On behalf of the parish, we thank everyone again for their assistance, during the Paschal commemoration of the Samaritan Woman, and for the enthusiastic reception of Bishop Gerasim into our midst.
It is always difficult when one starts to list names in a summary such as this. Adding to the difficulty is the fact that many people wear many hats. But please know that if anyone was inadvertently left out, your efforts were greatly appreciated and always are.
We look forward to Bishops Gerasim’s next visit and to another joyous celebration.
In the Risen Lord,
Fr. Basil