The Dedication
of Our New Church

Back to		It was a hot Saturday in June of 2005. Ezekiel, Ephrem, and other members of the parish had spent the past several months working on the new church building. Now, it was ready for church services.   Father James, Subdeacon Vassily, Dionysius, Herman, and the catechumen Jude came from St. Mary Magdalene's for the dedication of our new church building. We all waited outside for the service to begin. That hot Georgia sun was baking down on our backs.
		Waiting outside for the dedication service to begin. Click on the image to enlarge it.
		Finally, we all entered. Reader Stephen chanted a psalm. Later, the priest prayed some prayers before he anointed the chapel with holy water,oil, and incense.
		Father James preparing to anoint the chapel. Click on the image to enlarge it.
		Father James went through the narthex, nave, and sanctuary of the entire chapel sprinkling holy water. Next, he anointed the walls with oil. Then, he incensed the entire chapel.
		Father James anointing the nave with oil. Click on the image to enlarge it.
		Reader Stephen and Mary sang some hymns for the Feast of the Ascension and the hymns for the patron saints of the temple.
		Father James anointing the sanctuary with oil. Click on the image to enlarge it.
		Some members of the parish went forward with items to be placed on the altar. Father James took them and placed each item on the altar. He put the altar cloth on it first. Then, he placed the candles, Gospel book, and other items on the altar.
		Putting the altar cloth on the altar.
		Shortly before the Divine Liturgy began. Deacon Athanasious and his son came down from Atlanta to serve with Father James. Reader Stephen read the Third Hour. Then, the Divine Liturgy began.
		Deacon Athanasious working at the preparation table. Click on the image to enlarge it.
		We celebrated our first Divine Liturgy in our new church. There were many people in attendance. Even the local Roman Catholic priest came to celebrate our dedication of our new church.
		The acolytes and the priest standing at the altar. Click on the image to enlarge it.
		During the Divine Liturgy, we had a long procession in the Great Entrance. The Gifts were taken from the preparation table through one of the Deacon's doors, through the nave and, then, into the Royal Doors. The priest entered the Royal Doors with the Gifts. Everyone else in the procession entered the sanctuary through the deacon's doors.
		The Great Entrance of our first Divine Liturgy in our new church. Click on the image to enlarge it.
		After the service we all ate a big meal that some members of the parish had fixed. We fellowshipped with each other and enjoyed each other's company.
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