Archbishop Hierarchical Visit to Spring, Tx

On October 7/20 Archbishop Peter travelled to Spring, TX to officiate the divine services marking the patronal feast day of St. Jonah Orthodox Church. Concelebrating with Vladyka were the clergy of St. Jonah’s, as well as visiting clergy from the Deanery of Texas and Louisiana:

Archpriest John Whiteford

Archpriest Christopher Allen

Archpriest Lubomir Kupecz

Archpriest Cassian Sibley

Priest Benigno Pardo

Priest David Companik

Dn. Vladimir Trussin

Dn. David Shephard

Dn. Christopher Morgan

 

The parish choir was beautifully directed by Ms. Demetra Durham. At the small entrance Dn. David Shephard and Dn. Vladimir Trussin were both awarded the double orarion for their service to the diocese and the Church. Following the anaphora, Subdeacon Andrew Allen was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by the hand of Archbishop Peter. Fr. Andrew will serve with Fr. Cassian in Bryan, TX.

St. Jonah’s has grown steadily over the past several years. In 2017 the parish averaged 75 parishioners at Sunday morning liturgy, a figure that has grown to 130 this year. The current church building and parish hall are always filled with parishioners and an abundant number of children. The church school program has approximately 60 children currently participating, and the parish recently started a homeschool co-op that meets once a week.

Due to the significant growth of the parish, the current facilities are being stretched to their limits. To that end, the parish council has contracted with a local architect and engineering firm to create designs for a parish complex consisting of a new temple, parish hall, and belltower that will be completed in phases as finances allow. To facilitate that growth the parish recently completed the acquisition of another 2 acres of land adjacent to the existing property, almost doubling the usable land. The parish hopes to begin construction of the new temple in the next year or so.

In his exhortation to the faithful, Archbishop Peter noted that 2025 will mark the 100 th anniversary of the repose of St. Jonah. He encouraged the parish to work toward the building of the new temple and begin preparing for the entire diocese to gather and celebrate this festive and solemn occasion.

Congratulations to all the clergy and faithful of St. Jonah’s and to the new deacon, Fr. Andrew!

 

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