Bp. Irinej Ordains Christopher Giovanis to the Holy Diaconate
The Parish of the Holy Resurrection of Christ in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, celebrated a historic milestone with the ordination of Christopher Giovanis to the Holy Diaconate under Bishop Irinej amid clergy and faithful from across the region.
LEBANON, PA — The Serbian Parish of the Holy Resurrection of Christ marked a historic milestone on December 20, 2025, with the ordination of Christopher Giovanis to the Holy Diaconate under the omophorion of His Grace Bp. Irinej.
The ordination took place on the feast of St. Ambrose of Milan during a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy attended by a full church and clergy from neighboring Orthodox parishes across south-central Pennsylvania. Earlier that day, Giovanis was tonsured a Reader and appointed Subdeacon before being ordained Deacon through the laying on of hands.
In his confession of faith, Dn. Christopher pledged faithful service to Christ and His Church, expressing gratitude to his family and supporters. Bp. Irinej offered fatherly exhortation, emphasizing diaconal ministry as self-sacrificial service rooted in thanksgiving to God.
The service concluded with the congregation proclaiming “Axios! He is worthy!” followed by a celebratory parish meal honoring the bishop and newly ordained deacon.
Previously, the UOJ reported on the establishment of a new Serbian Orthodox church in Idaho.
