Hundreds Gather for Feast Weekend at Agia Paraskevi Monastery

HOUSTON, TX — Hundreds of Orthodox Christians gathered at the Holy Monastery of Agia Paraskevi in Washington County over the weekend to celebrate the monastery's feast, filling the church beyond capacity and drawing worshippers from across the region for two days of prayer and fellowship.

Because the monastery church could not accommodate the crowds, many faithful participated in the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy from the courtyard, where the services were broadcast over loudspeakers. The monastery's sisterhood led the liturgical responses, while volunteers helped welcome visitors and organize meals for the large number of pilgrims. Sunday's celebration alone included approximately 700 meal servings, in addition to those prepared for Saturday.

Metr. Constantine of Denver made a special effort to attend the festivities despite recently participating in the Holy and Sacred Synod in Constantinople. Arriving in Texas late Friday, he presided over services throughout the weekend. Clergy from other monasteries and parishes also concelebrated, including Elder Paisios and Dn. Ephraim from St. Anthony's Monastery in Arizona, as well as Archdeacon John Rigas of the Metropolis of Denver.

Organizers noted the strong participation of young people and families, describing the gathering as another example of the growing appeal of Orthodox monastic life to believers of many backgrounds. The monastery also expressed gratitude to the numerous volunteers whose months of preparation made the weekend's celebrations possible and extended birthday greetings to Gerontissa Paraskevi and all those celebrating their name day.

Previously, the UOJ reported that a Texas parish hosted a pan-Orthodox celebration of the Sunday of Orthodoxy.