Bp. Vasily Makes First Pastoral Visit to Western Colorado

GRAND JUNCTION, CO — Bp. Vasily made his first archpastoral visit to the western Colorado parishes and missions of his diocese Aug. 11–13, meeting with clergy and faithful and celebrating the Divine Liturgy during a three-day pastoral journey.

The visit included stops in Grand Junction, Montrose, and Delta. In Grand Junction, Bp. Vasily met with the priest-in-charge and mission council of Holy Wisdom, attended Vespers, and shared a meal with parishioners. The following day, he met with the priest overseeing the Montrose mission before traveling to Delta, where he attended Vespers at St. Andrew’s and joined parishioners for dinner and a question-and-answer session.

The visit concluded Aug. 13 with Bp. Vasily presiding over the Divine Liturgy at St. Andrew’s, commemorating St. Tikhon of Zadonsk and the Leavetaking of the Feast of the Transfiguration. Local Orthodox clergy concelebrated the service.

The bishop was accompanied throughout the journey by the diocesan chancellor and local dean. During the visit, he expressed gratitude for the faithful and for the work being done to strengthen the parishes and missions. He also encouraged their continued growth, marking an important first visit to this region of the diocese.

Previously, the UOJ reported that the OCA Diocese of the Midwest hosted its fourth annual seminarian retreat.