Reflections

For the Akathist we had about half to two-thirds All-Merciful Savior and Holy Theotokos folks; the remainder were from Antiochian or Greek churches. We waited expectantly for the arrival of Bishop Peter with subdeacon Michael, while the kathisma of psalms for the day's Vespers was chanted.  

Afterwards I addressed a welcome to Vladika and the Mother of God, and on behalf of the new church I gave him a unique blue and white prayer rope made by nuns in Jerusalem.

Finally all received Vladika's blessing, and he gave some instructions on how to do this or that.

When Bishop Peter arrived, he was greeted with bread and salt and a cheerful address by our starosta, then placed the Kursk Root Icon upon the stand and gave blessings as everyone venerated. 

The akathist began with Vladika's "Blagosloven Bog nash," followed by the choir's Heavenly King, and the reader's Trisagion prayers, 12x Lord have mercy, Glory, O come let us worship, Psalm 50.

Then subdeacon Michael drove Vladika to the Olive Garden restaurant where our group enjoyed a festive oil-and-wine meal. Vladika had begun his day at 4 a.m. and spent nearly every minute of it in the air or driving, but he held up after a glass of wine and some salad. Our pleasant supper together with the Antiochians and Greeks reminded me of the psalmist's words, "Behold how good and joyful a thing it is, for brethren

After that we began to sing the first Kontakion, then Bp. Peter intoned all the Oikoi.

The whole congregation, about forty souls, sang the Rejoices and Alleluias in rich harmony. It was a beautiful service, sung as the the light of many candles replaced the waning light of the spent day.

for brethren to dwell together." We returned to our homes late and with smiles on our faces. 

The Mother of God also visited Holy Protection Church in Austin, April 21, at 7:30 p.m. Holy Protection is behind Halina European Skin Care, 5309 Burnet Road. The Akathist there was sung prayerfully in Slavonic and Bp. Peter also anointed the faithful.     ---- Apr. 26, 2005