On Sunday, December 8/21, Andrew Wales of the parish of St. Seraphim of Sarov in Glen Allen (Richmond), Virginia, was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Metropolitan Demetrius. His Eminence concelebrated with Fr. Nicodemos Gayle, the parish rector, and Archdeacon Agathangelus.
After the ordination, a festive but fasting meal was served, and the Metropolitan spoke on several issues of concern to Orthodox Christians, such as the appearance of the Cross in 1925, the reunion of Orthodox Christians in March 2014, and pastoral matters.
Father Deacon Andrew is married to Diakonissa Anna, and they have an infant daughter. It should be noted that Father Deacon Andrew, originally from the Southwestern United States, relocated specifically to a city where there is a parish of our Church. While not everyone can do this, it is a remarkable testimony to his dedication to the Church, and a witness to others who have the ability. We wish Fr. Dcn. Andrew, his family, and his parish many years, and exclaim, “AXIOS!” (“He is worthy!”).
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