OVERLAND PARK, KS [DOM] – His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest made an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church, Overland Park, KS during the weekend of December 15-17.
On Friday, His Eminence met with Priest Justin Mathews, Executive Director, and Matushka Jodi Mathews, Director of Marketing and Development, at Reconciliation Services. The Archbishop toured the progress of the construction of the renovated Reconciliation Services building, including our diocesan Chapel of St Maria of Paris on the premises.
The next day the Archbishop gave a talk about the upcoming glorification of Matushka Olga, and the call to holiness for all Christians. Great Vespers was celebrated, followed by the Annual Nativity Play presented by the children of the parish.
On Sunday, December 17, the Hierarchal Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop Daniel. Serving at the Divine Liturgy were: Archpriest Timothy Sawchak, Rector; Archpriest Christopher Rowe; Priest Justin Mathews; Priest Germogen Tucker; Priest Daniel Hickman; and Deacon Paul Garklavs. At the Little Entrance, Fr. Justin Mathews was elevated to Archpriest and Fr. Christopher Rowe received the Jeweled Cross. Subdeacon Justin Hickman was ordained to the Holy Diaconate to serve the St. Raphael of Brooklyn Mission in Quincy, IL. Most of the faithful from Quincy made the four hour trip in order to be present for this joyful event for their community.
At the conclusion of the service, Deacon Stephen Beasley received a Diocesan Gramota for his dedication to the parish, including 15 years of service as a deacon.
Later that evening the Annual Nativity Concert was held at Holy Trinity by the Kansas City Pan-Orthodox and Community Choir under the direction of Benjamin Sawchak. Proceeds from the concert went to assist the good work at Reconciliation Services in Kansas City, MO.
