March 19, 2013 Fletcher, NC: Bishop
George led the Divine Services in Honor of Archpriest Onouphry
Keith’s Retirement
On
Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th of March, the Sunday of the
Last Judgment, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop
George of Mayfield, paid an Archpastoral visit to
St. Nicholas Church in Fletcher, NC. Services that weekend
marked the retirement of Archpriest Onouphry Keith, rector of St.
Nicholas for the past ten years.
At the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning,
His Grace was co-served by Fr. Onouphry, Priest Paul Burholt (cleric
of St. Mary of Egypt OCA Church in Norcross, GA), Priest Steven Webb
(parish cleric), and Deacon Jeremiah Davis (cleric of Holy Cross
Monastery in Wayne, WV). Upon completion of the Liturgy, Bishop
George delivered a sermon on the Last Judgment and preparation for
the Great Fast.
His Grace then presented Fr. Onouphry and
Matushka Anna a diocesan Gramota in honor of their many years of
labor in the parish, and Fr. Steven presented them a tabernacle for
use in their future missionary endeavors. In turn, Fr. Onouphry
thanked Bishop George, Fr. Steven, and all of the parishioners of
St. Nicholas Church for their love and support over the past decade.
Finally, Bishop George read aloud the directives of His Eminence,
Metropolitan Hilarion, confirming Fr. Onouphry’s retirement and
appointing Fr. Steven the new rector.
A bountiful luncheon was then served in the
parish refectory, during which many words of well-wishing and
congratulations were offered.
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