Things were quite busy in the life of the Chapel this past month. First and foremost was the ordination to the Holy Priesthood of Deacon David Smith Pentecost weekend (June 18), by His Eminence, Archbishop Melchizedek. To say that the chapel was packed is putting it mildly. Nearly 100 souls attended and the line for Holy Communion extended through the narthex onto the porch. Concelebrating clergy were Fr. John Reeves of our mother church in State College, Fr. Mark Meholick, DuBois and Dean of the Eastern Deanery; Fr. Daniel Kovalak, Williamsport; and Fr. James Chuta, Lewisburg; as well as Deacons Alexander Cadman and Mark Oleynik.
Father David’s ordination was the first Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated at the Chapel. And now because of his ordination, the Chapel’s faithful, many of whom live more than an hour away from the next-nearest Orthodox church, will be able to attend the Divine Liturgy each Sunday.
After the ordination, nearly all who attended the service packed the Beavertown Fire Hall for a delicious banquet in celebration. The Chapel presented Fr. David with his priest’s cross while parishioners from Holy Trinity gifted Father with his first set of vestments. (In fact, donors were so generous that he will be able to purchase a second set, too). An additional offering was also taken that day as well. Funds raised were designated for Fr. David’s discretionary fund, a total of $500.
Many thanks to all who prayed, gave, and attended to make this day possible, especially the Choir and the Men’s Chorus who sang the responses.