June 11, 2006 : The Catechumens of Christ Church Antiochian Orthodox Mission are Joyously received into Holy Orthodoxy on Pentec

The catechumens of Christ Church Antiochian Orthodox Mission in Lynchburg, Virginia, formerly a parish of the “continuing” Anglican Church, were received into Holy Orthodoxy on Pentecost Sunday, June 11th.

Fr. Nicholas Alford of St. Gregory Antiochian Orthodox Church, Washington, DC, conducted the services of Holy Baptism, Chrismation, Holy Matrimony and Holy Eucharist, assisted by Fr. Gregory Mathewes-Green of Holy Cross Antiochian Orthodox Church , Linthicum, MD, Hieromonk Mefodii and Hierodeacon Kyrill of the Skete of St. Maximos the Confessor (Palmyra, VA - ROCOR), and members of St. Gregory's. The services took place at St. George Greek Orthodox Church in Lynchburg. St. George’s pastor, Father George, and his entire congregation have been a great source of encouragement to our new Mission.

After four adult Baptisms, seventeen individuals were Chrismated. Alban and Helen Waggener were married in the Church, in anticipation of his Ordination to the Holy Priesthood in September. The newly illumined then received their first Orthodox Holy Communion, along with the other Orthodox members of the Mission. Approximately fifty people attended the three hour service.

A joyous reception followed in the parish hall, with the presentation of a Gaelic Bible from the Brothers of St. Maximos Skete to the Mission as a symbol of our heritage.

In addition, two infant Baptisms, four Chrismations, and the blessing of a marriage of members absent on June 11th, will take place in the near future.

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