Here at the monastery, our beloved metropolitan celebrated a double ordination just the day after Nativity: Paul Hamner to the diaconate and Ignatius Strange to the priesthood. Both Deacon Paul and Priest Ignatius are from the Diocese of the West, and it is somewhat fitting that they be ordained together, since they will be serving together in the same diocese.

 

 

During that same Sunday service, but down in the cathedral in Dallas, Texas, their classmate, Maximus Gibson, was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Gerasim. Father Maximus is gathering wonderful experience serving daily liturgies in parishes in the North Texas area, including the parish from which he came, in Denton, Texas.

 

Then, only one week later, back in Michigan, another classmate, Anthony Saunders, was also ordained to the priesthood by Archbishop Paul.

 

We are looking forward to seeing these new deacons and priests serving here at the monastery for a few months as they prepare for service to Christ's Church in local parishes across the country.

 

By Priest Ignatius Strange, STOTS Class of 2022