CHESTERTON, IN [DOM] – On July 17-18, St. Elizabeth the New Martyr Church celebrated their patronal feast day. On Sunday, July 19 – feast of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils – the parish community welcomed His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Diocese of the Midwest. It was a weekend filled with prayer and joy, and was one of several festive events this year commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the parish.
On the evening of Friday, July 17, Festal Vigil for St. Elizabeth was served by Priest Anthony Saunders, Rector, and Deacon Thomas Porter, from Holy Ascension Church in Albion, MI. The responses were sung by a small mixed choir, led by Reader Simeon Sabourin, parish choir director.
The day of the feast, Saturday, July 18, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Fr. Anthony. He was assisted by Priest Nikolai Lochmatow, and Deacon Paul Garklavs. At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Fr. Anthony gave a homily on the words, “thou wast purified by mercy, patience, and love,” from St. Elizabeth’s troparion. After the homily, Fr. Anthony welcomed the guest clergy and all the faithful celebrating the feast. Many Years was sung for several women in attendance named in honor of either St. Elizabeth or her faithful companion, St. Barbara. All were invited to a festive meal in the parish hall after veneration of the Cross and the Prayers of Thanksgiving for Holy Communion.
As Saturday evening approached, the parish faithful gathered for the Resurrection Vigil at which the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils were also commemorated.
On Sunday morning, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel was greeted by the community and was offered the traditional bread and salt. His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy, and was assisted by Archpriest Herman Kincaid, Chancellor, Fr. Anthony, and Deacon Timothy Heinbokel.
After the Gospel, Archbishop Daniel instructed the faithful with a homily reflecting on the life of St. Elizabeth as well as the commemoration of the Holy Fathers. After the conclusion of the Liturgy, His Eminence greeted the gathered community, offering words of congratulations on the occasion of the altar feast the day before.
