His Grace Bishop THOMAS visits St. George Orthodox Church in Altoona, Pennsylvania to celebrate the Feast of Holy Pentecost
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The Episcopal visit began on Saturday, as Bishop THOMAS met with the parish organizations and inspired us to continue on our path of improvements that were set forth in our Strategic Plan for the future. He encouraged the Ladies Society to continue their work for the benefit of all and for the upgrades to our buildings. He also challenged us to do what we can to upgrade our Christian Education classrooms. On Saturday evening Bishop THOMAS presided over Great Vespers for the Feast of Pentecost. On the Sunday of Pentecost Saidna gave an encouraging sermon that challenged us all aspire to holy living. His Grace also elevated Greg Kattouf to the sub-diaconate and was honored along with Sub-deacon Greg at a banquet following the Divine Liturgy and Kneeling Prayers. Sub-Deacon Greg Kattouf has long been a faithful servant of God at the Holy Altar and is an example to us all of holy living and we are grateful to the bishop for honoring him by making him a sub-deacon. The bishop stressed in his address to the congregation during the banquet, that he expected to bless new classrooms when he visits next year; and was confident that we would embrace the challenge. We gratefully thank Saidna THOMAS for his loving pastoral care over his priests and parishes, and look forward to his next visit to Altoona. |