CHICAGO, IL [DOM] – On March 30, Soul Saturday, Deacon Peter Ries was ordained to the Holy Priesthood at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Chicago, IL. Fr. Peter is in his third year at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary studying for his Master of Divinity degree.
His Eminence Archbishop Daniel of Chicago and the Midwest presided over the Soul Saturday Liturgy and ordination. His Eminence was joined by Archpriest Paul Jannakos, Chancellor, Mitered Archpriest Basil Stoyka, Mitered Archpriest Vladimir Kovalchuk, Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean, Archpriest Tarasiy Maxim, Priest Esteban Vazquez, Priest Spyridon, Deacon Paul Garklavs, and Deacon Andrew Bender. The choir was directed by Ms. Olga Garklavs.
The Archbishop preached after the gospel on the priesthood and its significance. The Litany for the Departed was taken during the liturgy. After the Great Entrance, Deacon Peter was ordained to the Holy Priesthood.
Following the service, His Eminence congratulated the newly ordained Priest and his wife. He encouraged them in their efforts drawing a parallel of the life of the priest and his family to the Holy Cross. Following the Prayers of Thanksgiving a memorial service was prayed and a Lenten meal was held in parish hall.
Fr. Peter serve the All-Night vigil that evening at the Diocesan Cathedral and served his first liturgy as a priest the next day.
