His Grace, Bp Michael joined the Holy Apostles Church community for the divine services during the weekend of September 13-14. His Grace arrived in time for a dish to pass supper which was a joyful time of food and fellowship. After that, we returned to the church to celebrate Great Vespers for the Feast of the Elevation of the Life-giving Cross.

            On the following morning, Bp Michael was greeted at the entrance to the church by Sr Warden Bob West and Fr James. Being joined by V Rev Fr Terry Baz, Protodeacon Michael Speck and several subdeacons, some 50 faithful were in attendance. Before the service began, Bob was tonsured to be a reader in the Church - marking the first step in ordained ministry. The beautiful service was guided by the able hand of choir that had worked very hard to prepare for the hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Fr James was awarded the skufiya (a hat, given for distinction in ministry).

            Afterwards, the parish partook in a festive catered Italian meal which stretched into the early afternoon. The faithful of the parish, friends and other well-wishers spent time listening to Bp Michael answer questions about many topics - including dinosaurs, the nature of good and evil, and so forth.

            The Holy Apostles Church is grateful to God for all of the blessings bestowed on it this weekend, and asks for your continued prayers for it to continues its apostolic mission.