St. Matthew Chapel Consecration

Father Joseph

We were blessed to have His Eminence Archbishop DMITRI come to consecrate St. Matthew Chapel last weekend. The services were solemn and joyful, beginning with Great Vespers and Litya on Friday evening served by Archimandrite Jonah, auxiliary bishop-elect of the Diocese of the South. Following Vespers was a light reception at the church hall. Saturday morning His Eminence and concelebrating clergy constructed the altar, sealed in the relics of one of the martyrs Probus, Tarachus, or Andronicus, and completed the consecration of the Chapel.

Immediately following the consecration of the chapel the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served, at which Archbishop DMITRI reminded us that the construction and consecration of a place of worship is essential a reclaiming of portions of the fallen world and placing them back in their proper role of serving God and bringing man back into communion with Him. After Liturgy, a reception was held at which everyone had the opportunity to speak with His Eminence and visiting clergy.

Visiting clergy in attendance were Archimandrite Jonah, future auxiliary bishop of the Diocese of the South, Archimandrite Raphael Moore, Archpriest George Eber from St. Antony’s Orthodox Church in Tulsa, Archpriest Joseph Fester, Priest Justin Frederick, and Priest Seraphim Hipsh. May God bless all who labored and sacrificed to make this event so joyous.