After visiting the monastery and parishes of Etna, California, and the monastery in Kelseyville, California, (on the weekend of Sept. 30 to Oct. 1 n.s.), His Eminence Metropolitan Demetrius travelled to Las Vegas, Nevada, to visit the St. Nicholas Mission and V. Rev. Archpriest Elias Warnke, the guardian of the Holy Myrrh-Streaming Icon of St. Nicholas.
Hierodeacon Benedict accompanied His Eminence. The parish in Las Vegas gathered for Saturday evening service and Liturgy on Sunday morning. Ten parishioners from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, also visited for the weekend. The Icon of St. Nicholas continues to stream myrrh continually. Bowls next to the Icon catch the drips from the analoy cover. Parishioners venerated the Holy Icon and were anointed by His Eminence.
After the service all gathered for a festive meal sharing in the joy of Our Saviour. Everyone benefited from edifying discussions with His Eminence and Father Elias.
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Not long after the visit of His Eminence, Fr. Elias’s mother, Edna Mae Bohlim Warnke, reposed peacefully in our Lord Jesus Christ on Oct. 10, 2017, surrounded by her immediate family. Born July 3, 1935, she was one of the founders of the St. Nicholas Mission and a devoted Orthodox Christian.
She is survived by her son, Fr. Elias, and his wife Sue; two granddaughters, Cecily Kathrine Warnke and Leila Fay Jackson (Robert); two great granddaughters, Ariana and Lily; and also her sister Rachel Jasch. She asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the St. Nicholas Mission (PO Box 36035, Las Vegas, NV, 89133).
Her grace and jovial manner will be missed by all who knew and loved her.
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