A visit from the diocesan bishop is always a cause for celebration and gratitude, especially in a small, rural parish. On August 3/16, the 11th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of St. Anthony the Roman, Bishop Peter came to the St. Herman parish outside the village of Lake Odessa, MI to perform the ordination of reader Elias Reeves.

The bishop was met at 10 a.m. by a group of parishioners, family members, and friends. Following his vesting and the ordination of reader Elias to the subdeaconate, the Liturgy was celebrated according to the hierarchical order

. After the consecration of the Gifts, Vladika Peter performed the ordination to the deaconate. A festive lenten meal was served to guests by the parish sisterhood in the parish trapeza afterwards.

The newly-ordained Fr. Elias joined the Church as an adult. He is a son of the St. Herman parish and will be attached there. He and his wife Rachel have two children, Madeline and Milo, and are expecting a third. We ask your prayers for their family and his diaconal ministry.