Annunciation in the Pacific Northwest
Mar 27th, 2009 • Section: Featured, Hierarchical VisitsBishop Benjamin was pleased to celebrate the feast of the Annunciation at the Church of the Annunciation in Milwaukie OR.
According to the rector, Very Reverend Father Matthew Tate,
“We were blessed this year with the presence of His Grace Bishop Benjamin celebrating our Parish Feast of the Annunciation. It was beautiful evening Vesperal Liturgy. Also concelebrating were V. Rev. George Gray (St. Nicholas), V.Rev. Theodore Dorrance (St. John the Baptist Greek Church), V.Rev. Alban West (St. George Antiochian), Fr. Dmitri Perez (Holy Apostles) along with our parish clergy.
The Temple was filled beyond capacity. The Choir lifted our spirits with both beautiful and prayerful treatment of the wonderful hymns of the Annunciation. (Thanks for the participation of Rdr. Tracy Edson and several members of the choir of St. Nicholas.)
His Grace delivered a moving sermon on the festal theme, and later spoke to the very pan-orthodox attendees on the thesis of the importance of the American Orthodox Church. It was at timely and poignant message given some of the recent events in our church life.
The parish hosted a wonderful salmon dinner for close to 300. A bit of fish and wine goes a long way in the midst of Lent! Our thanks to all the volunteers whose efforts made for such a memorable event!”
