It was the evening of Friday, February 10, 2023, and my theme was "An Evening with St. John Chrysostom." About 100 were in attendance, including His Grace, Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth.  

 

What a blessing it was to speak in that marvelously beautiful cathedral, and to venerate the relics of recently departed Archbishop Dmitri lying in an adjoining chapel, which reminded me of stepping right into a church on Mt. Athos. A wonderful potluck meal was served beforehand in the parish hall, which felt very much like a St. Tikhon's Reunion! Many thanks to Bp. Gerasim for the invitation.

 

The next day, Dr. Mary and I led an all-day retreat at the Saints Constantine and Helen Antiochian Orthodox Church in nearby Carrollton, Texas, addressing the theme "Seeking Holiness in an Unholy World." This event was sponsored by the North Texas Orthodox Missions, a pan-Orthodox initiative led by laity of various parishes in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Many thanks to everyone who participated, and to the NTOM, led by Mr. John Sallas, for inviting us!