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Orthodox Clergy From Multiple Jurisdictions Gather in Austin
Greek Orthodox and ROCOR clergy joined other Orthodox priests for a concelebration at St. Mary’s Church in Austin during the Feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God.
AUSTIN, TX — Clergy from different Orthodox jurisdictions gathered at St. Mary’s Church in Austin for the Feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, including a notable concelebration involving Greek Orthodox and Russian Orthodox clergy. Priests from Austin and surrounding communities joined the faithful for the feast, which began with Vespers and the Litia.
At the conclusion of Vespers, Fr. Vasileios Flegas of the Greek Orthodox Church of the Transfiguration in Austin offered a reflection, thanking God and the Mother of God for the new church and congratulating parish priest Fr. Gabriel Ilieș for his work, sacrifice, and love in establishing the community.
On the feast itself, following Matins, ten priests and four deacons celebrated the Divine Liturgy, presided over by Fr. Iulian Aniței. Fr. Moses McPherson of the Russian Orthodox Church of the Mother of God in Georgetown, Texas, delivered the homily, speaking about the Virgin Mary’s role in the economy of salvation and Her example of obedience, purity, and humility.
The feast continued with a meal prepared by the women of St. Mary Parish, providing an opportunity for fellowship among the clergy and faithful. The gathering also marked an important anniversary for the community: twenty-four years earlier, on the Nativity of the Mother of God, the first service was celebrated that would eventually lead to the establishment of St. Mary Church in Cedar Park. Parishioners gave thanks for the growth of the community and the blessings received over the years.
The celebration brought together Orthodox Christians from several Austin-area communities in prayer, worship, and fellowship. The participation of clergy associated with both the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese (GOARCH) and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) gave particular significance to the concelebration, as clergy and faithful gathered together for the Divine Services honoring the Nativity of the Mother of God.
Previously, the UOJ reported that Texas parish had 55 catechumens after five illuminations.
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