His Eminence Archbishop Daniel, ruling hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States of America will visit Los Alamos July 21-23. Courtesy photo
BY FATHER THEOPHAN MACKEY
St. Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church
Los Alamos
On July 21-23, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel, ruling hierarch of the Western Eparchy of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the United States of America will be making his annual archpastoral visit to Saint Job of Pochaiv Orthodox Church and Los Alamos, New Mexico.
During his time here, Vladyka (a term of endearment for a bishop, literally, “Master”) will tour the town, lead church services, and get to know his parishioners better. Anyone who wants to speak with him one on one will be given that opportunity.
On Friday night he will be with Father Theophan at the mobile chapel at Ashley Pond for the Summer Concert Series enjoying the music of Stone Daddy and answering any questions curious attendees might have.
Both Saturday and Sunday morning he will preside over the Divine Litugy of Saint John Chrysostom at the church and then partake in luncheon and visitation with faithful in attendance.
Eight and a half years ago, when Vladyka assigned Father Theophan to Saint Job and Los Alamos, he tasked Father with the spiritual care of not only the people of the church, but of all Northern New Mexico. We know where the grace of God is, we do not know every place it reaches.
Five years ago, Archbishop Dainiel visited Los Alamos with Metropolitan Antony, and they blessed the new church at 1319 Trinity Drive after an extensive remodel was completed. Subsequently, Archbishop Daniel visited again and consecrated the altar of the church and anointed it with chrism (holy oil) supplied to him by His All-holiness, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew. During other visits he has gifted the church with a large hand-painted icon of Saint Job of Pochaiv, a new Gospel Book, and even ordained a new priest (who now serves in Denver). Beside these temporal blessings, his visits are always accompanied by a sense of peace and joy and the grace of God bestowed upon the Church.
If you see us at the concert or around town this weekend, I hope that you will take the opportunity to reach out and meet this wonderful pastor and gentle soul. Or, if you dare, stop by Saint Job on Saturday or Sunday morning and get a taste of the Orthodox faith. You are always welcome.