Orthodox faithful gather in Washington DC for Enthronement of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah
Hierarchs, clergy and faithful from parishes throughout the Orthodox Church in America are gathering in Washington, DC, this weekend for the Enthronement of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah at St. Nicholas Cathedral.
“In addition to members of the OCA, we are looking forward to welcoming several guests from other Orthodox Churches,” said OCA communications director, Archpriest Andrew Jarmus. “Joining us from Europe will be His Eminence Archbishop Leo of Karelia and all Finland, and His Grace Bishop Abel representing the Church of Poland, together with clergy representing the Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia and the Church of Ukraine. Also joining us will be hierarchs and clergy from our sister jurisdictions here in North America. We also look forward to the presence of the Russian Ambassador to the United States.”
The weekend’s events will begin Saturday evening, December 27, at St. Nicholas Cathedral, with the Vigil celebrated by Metropolitan Jonah. On Sunday morning, December 28, Metropolitan Jonah will celebrate the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy with the other members of the OCA Holy Synod of Bishops and guest hierarchs and clergy. The Divine Liturgy will conclude with the Enthronement rite. Following the services at the Cathedral, a banquet in honor of His Beatitude will be held Sunday afternoon at the Wardam Park Marriott in Washington.
“At the 15th All-American Council in Pittsburgh last month, Ancient Faith Radio was our official media partner,” Fr. Andrew said. “We are very pleased that we will have Ancient Faith Radio with us again this weekend covering the Enthronement.” In preparation for the Enthronement, Ancient Faith Radio has posted the first of a two-part interview with Metropolitan Jonah on “The Illumined Heart” Internet radio program. The second part of the interview will be posted on Friday, January 2, 2009. “The Illumined Heart” interview with His Beatitude may be heard at ancientfaith.com/podcasts/illuminedheart.
Reports on the Enthronement of His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, along with photos and links to audio and video files will be posted as they become available. They may be found on a special Enthronement page of the OCA.org web site.