Categories: uncategorized
Date: 23 December 2005 04:39:22
After the service I received more three-kisses-on-the-cheeks from all than I am ever likely to receive again! A great blessing and a wonderful example of the love, joy and fellowship that exists in our parish. There are problems; there are issues: I'm under no allusion I am in paradise. But I am very blessed to be in the parish I am in.
I also received a number of gifts, which was most unexpected: from icons (including an photo of an oil-exuding one, with oil from it on cotton at the back), to a book, to a candle hand-decorated by a parishioner and her God-children, to a lamp. And also a Bunnykins set from a friend: long story...the short version: three years ago I confessed to a love of them in childhood: I'm surprised she remembered! Here are a few photos of them.
Much food was consumed at lunch over much conversation, and my plate was topped to overflowing by the kind people of the parish. Dessert was also rather good: an included a number of fruits and cakes, and chocolate crackles -- which were particularly enjoyed by a friend. And all fasting food: marvellous! And then came the photos. Unfortunately my sister, brother-in-law and niece had to leave earlier, so they are not in any, but I have the memories.
Divine Liturgy, Chrismation and post-lunch photos can be seen here on our parish web site. As you can see, we hire a hall each week currently. Highlighting some of the people in the photos:
Sub-deacon Chris and Father John: I'm blessed to know such wonderful clergy and to be part of a parish with them serving there.
My sponsor, Wissam, who has, with many in the parish, been a great encouragement to me and a blessing as a brother in Christ
My parents
Jugular and Duo Seraphim from Ship-of-Fools
Alexis & Frank, friends of mine
Parish
And, at the instigation of my sponsor, the Yes! Finally! photo.
As you can see, I tend to be rather happy and joyful. And as it was a very blessed and joyous occasion, I was probably smiling that little bit more and look as if I am, as the sub-deacon who visited us from the US last year said when he saw them, "about to explode with joy". On the topic of that sub-deacon, please pray for sub-deacon Jeremy as he is to be, God willing, ordained to the diaconate on January 1. God grant him many, many years!
Thank you to all here who have been an encouragement to me on my journey to Orthodoxy, and many thanks for your prayers, thoughts and wishes in the last few weeks especially. In terms of my journey, the catechumenate may be finished and I may now be a full member of the Orthodox church, but this journey has led to me finding a new path opening up before me that strectches ahead to the horizon. I have only begun my journey, and I look forward to the future and what it may bring. I look forward to continuing my "exploring Orthodoxy" with you all.
All thanks and praise be to God.