Русская Версия

July 23, 2010
Columbia, SC: Bishop George led the divine services in St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Church

On July 16-19, His Grace George, Bishop of Mayfield, visited the mission parish of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr in Columbia, SC, on the occasion of the parish’s feast day. Arriving on the afternoon of the 16^th, Vladyka visited with the family of Priest Mark Mancuso, rector of St Elizabeth’s, and then met with parish clergy over dinner.

On the morning of the 17th, Vladyka George joined the parish for a brunch in the home of Fr. Mark and Matushka Anne Mancuso. Mat. Anne prepared a wonderful meal and the faithful were able to enjoy time with Bishop George. After the meal, Vladyka spent time with the parishioners, answering their many questions. He spoke about his conversion to Orthodoxy, his time as a monk on Mount Athos and at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, answered questions about parish life and events in the diocese, and offered many encouraging words to the parish about their struggle to live the Orthodox life.

In the evening, Bishop George led the festal Vigil, co-served by Fr. Mark, Archpriest Anastasy Yatrelis (rector of Sts. Cyril and Methodius Church in Summerville, SC), Archpriest Steven Ritter and Deacon Zachary Rose (clerics of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA), and parish Deacon Columba Wilson. Despite the summer heat of South Carolina, most of the faithful stayed for the entire Vigil and many made their confession.

On the day of the feast, Bishop George celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy. The Liturgy was well attended, with about 60 of the faithful receiving the Holy Mysteries. At the end of the Liturgy, Vladyka George gave an inspiring sermon about the life of the Royal Family and St. Elizabeth the New Martyr. He emphasized how the parish – which has many converts to Orthodoxy – has a fitting patron, and that parishioners should emulate her in putting Orthodoxy at the center of their lives.

After the festal Liturgy, the parish sisterhood prepared a bountiful luncheon for Bishop George at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Shaw. The parish spent a pleasant summer afternoon with Vladyka George and the visiting clergy. Vladyka also spent some time joining the children in their games, which made a great impression on them. Upon his departure, all of the faithful thanked Bishop George for coming to the parish and expressed their hope to see him again soon.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese

See Also:

May 24, 2010
Columbia, SC: Abbess Andrea of St. Nicholas Monastery visits St. Elizabeth’s Church

March 17, 2010
Columbia, SC: Bishop George visited St Elizabeth the New Martyr Church