On Saturday, September 25th, throughout the day, an approximate seventy volunteers came and went from various area Orthodox Churches including Saint Herman’s in Stafford, Holy Myrrhbearers in Harrisonburg, Holy Innocents and Saint Nina in Bristow, Saint Tikhon’s in Ruther Glen, Saint Innocent’s in Salem, and others. Clergy who joined in with their parishioners were Father Gabriel Weller, Father Richard Reed, Father Alexander Laymon, Father John Cook, Deacon Joseph Sirko, and Reader Joseph McLeod.
A great deal was accomplished but most of all, the volunteers, some of them catechumens, enjoyed Orthodox fellowship in a casual setting. Children made new friends from other Orthodox parishes, an important aspect of this type of activity. Many thanks to the men, women, and even children who made the day a success!
The gift shop also had it’s grand opening, with the assistance of Penelope and David of Penelope’s of Greece, who spent two days pricing, stocking and displaying merchandise. Even though at least a dozen boxes remained unpacked, the store had many happy customers who went home with icons, vigil lamps, censers, reliquaries, books, incense, Baptismal crosses, bracelets, night lights, and so much more. The remaining boxes will be unpacked when the return to do Christmas shopping.
Vespers for the Feast of the Commemoration of the Consecration of the Church of the Resurrection at Jerusalem (The Holy Sepulchre) and the Forefeast of the Universal Elevation of the Precious and Life-Giving Cross of the Lord was celebrated by Hieromonk Aidan of Saint Demetrios Monastery, Father John Cook, and Deacon Joseph (Sirko), and with Hierodeacon Silouan of Saint Demetrios helping Mother Andrea at the kleros.