On the weekend of January 28-30, the parish family of St. Athanasius gave thanks to God for 20 years of spiritual life as a parish of the Orthodox Church in America. Leading our celebrations was our archpastor, His Eminence, Archbishop Alexander of Dallas and All the South, assisted by His Grace, Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth. Along with many parish alumni and friends of the parish, we also welcomed our diocesan chancellor–Fr. Marcus Burch–and Mr. Warren Caterson as honored guests. We are deeply grateful for all the people who helped this joyous weekend take place! Below are the various events of this special weekend with photo reports and links:
Leadership Dinner with Bp. Gerasim & Fr. Marcus
On Friday, Jan. 28, the combined St. Athanasius Parish Council and St. Nina Mission Council met with Bishop Gerasim, Fr. Marcus Burch (the chancellor,) and Warren Caterson (who led our Capital Campaign Study.) We talked parish history, parish life now, challenges we are facing, and our vision for the future both at St. Athanasius and St. Nina. Nelu and Valerika Iancu prepared a delicious seafood meal for us before the snow came in!
Young Adult Brunch with Bp. Gerasim & Fr. Marcus
On Saturday morning (Jan. 30,) over 25 young adults in our broader community enjoyed a special brunch time with Bishop Gerasim and Fr. Marcus–sharing fellowship and asking questions. The young adults heroically removed snow before the event and helped clean the hall for the weekend festivities after the brunch!
Preparation & Vigil
On Saturday after, we celebrated an early Vigil, preparing the church beforehand for the Pontifical Services.
Grand Banquet for 20th Anniversary at Copper Roux
After Vigil, the parish hosted a 120-person banquet at the Copper Roux venue in Lexington. We were able to capture large bit of the celebration on video!
- Fr. Justin’s Welcome
- Metropolitan Tikhon’s Greeting to St. Athanasius
- Warren Caterson’s Keynote Remarks
- Audrey Wagner’s Main “Keynote” 20th Anniversary Video
- Remarks of Fr. Marcus Burch, Bishop Gerasim, & Archbishop Alexander
- Retrospective Slideshow (shown during “down times” at banquet)
- Post-Banquet Bonus Reel
Pontifical Liturgy led by Archbishop Alexander
On Sunday, Jan. 30, the Feast of the 3 Hierarchs, we celebrated the Pontifical Liturgy with Archbishop Alexander and Bishop Gerasim. Our local clergy were also joined by Archpriest Marcus Burch of St. John of the Ladder (OCA) in Greenville, SC, and Protodeacon Jeremiah Davis of St. Matrona Mission (ROCOR.) About 160 people joined together in divine worship and most of those enjoyed a hearty post-Liturgy brunch afterwards. (Our beloved Deacon Simeon and his wife Matushka Ashleigh Mary marked 7 years of ordained service in the Church.)
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