DAYTON, OH [DOM] – On Saturday and Sunday, November 1-2, St Paul the Apostle Church in Dayton, OH celebrated its 40th anniversary. His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest, led the faithful at the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning. Serving with His Eminence was His Grace Bishop Pedro of Kaffa and the Exarchate of Western Europe, Archpriest Gregory Ealy, Rector, Priest Nikolai Lochmatow, Deacon Paul Garklavs, and Deacon David Abshear.
During the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence blessed the newly constructed iconostasis and ordained John Garber to the order of Reader, entrusting him with the sacred responsibility of proclaiming the Word of God in the Church. In recognition of his dedicated pastoral service and leadership, Fr. Gregory Ealy was elevated to the dignity of Archpriest.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the parish community gathered for a festive anniversary meal and had an opportunity for fellowship and reflection. During the meal there was entertainment as well as congratulatory remarks from Fr Gregory, Archbishop Daniel, and Bishop Pedro. In his remarks, Archbishop Daniel congratulated Archpriest Gregory and all the faithful of St. Paul’s on reaching this significant milestone. He commended the parish for forty years of proclaiming the Gospel and bearing witness to Christ’s love in the Greater Miami Valley area. At the end of the meal, the founders of the parish were warmly recognized and honored for their vision, sacrifice, and steadfast faith that laid the foundation for today’s community.
