Sister Barbara Jean attended the ordination of Deacon Lewis Rabayda to the holy priesthood last weekend at Epiphany of the Lord Church in Annandale Virginia. It certainly was a joyous occasion and beautifully celebrated by family and parishioners and many clergy, along with Bishop Kurt of the Passaic Eparchy. I have given retreats at the Annandale parish a number of times and am always happy to return to this lively faith community.
Saturday morning began with the Divine Liturgy and ordination, followed by a dinner in the church hall. Father Lewis and deacons served Vespers at 3:00 p.m. with the seminarians of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary cantoring. Another beautiful moment!
Sunday morning we gave thanks again as Father Lewis served the Divine Liturgy of Thanksgiving with several concelebrants. Father Stephen Galuschick, also recently ordained, gave the homily.
The Pastor, Very Rev. John Basarab, spoke at the luncheon that followed and gave Father Lewis the gift of a complete sick call set, reminding him to get right to all the pastoral work before him. The parish gave Father Lewis a large stuffed lamb, reminding him to shepherd the flock in the manner of the Good Shepherd.
The parish family was happily excited with this great occasion in their relatively new and beautiful church. Axios! All promised their prayers……
