On November 21-22, Bishop Benjamin visited Saint Katherine the Great Martyr Mission in Kirkland, Washington, near Seattle. The parish feastday of Saint Katherine was occurring later that week (November 24), so the bishop requested that it be celebrated during his visit. The small church was full during the Resurrectional Vigil on the evening before, and there were about 100 people packing the small church on Sunday itself, which is nearly a record for the parish. The bishop was assisted in the small altar by three servers, two subdeacons, one deacon, and the rector, Priest John Strickland. As our many voices lifted in song about Saint Katherine, there was a unanimous feeling of peace and joy at the bishop’s presence.

Before the Sunday morning Divine Liturgy was started, the parish was joyfully blessed with its first-ever tonsuring. Glenn Martin Rebne was ordained to the position of reader by His Grace. With his wife, mother and son looking on, Reader Martin served the remainder of the service at the bishop’s side. This was a wonderful opportunity for the parish to reflect on its growth.

After the Liturgy, the Bishop was presented with a handmade cross by the members of the parish. There followed a beautiful lenten meal, celebrating the mission’s feast day. The bishop’s visit was a wonderful experience for everyone who attended (including many visitors), and another milestone for the growing parish of Saint Katherine.