Bishop Paul visits Holy Resurrection Mission, Fargo, ND
FARGO, ND [MW Diocese Communications] — His Grace, Bishop Paul, made an archpastoral visitation to Holy Resurrection Mission, Fargo, ND May 11-12, 2017.
During his visit, which marked the first anniversary of Priest William Rettig’s tenure as Priest-in-Charge, Bishop Paul also elevated the mission’s former Priest-in-Charge, Priest Oliver Herbel, to the dignity of Archpriest and presented him with the gold pectoral cross.
Father William graduated one year ago from Saint Vladimir’s Seminary, Yonkers, NY, after which he was assigned by Bishop Paul to Holy Resurrection Mission. During his visit, Bishop Paul remarked on the strong foundation established by Father Oliver on which Father William has continued the work of building up the Church in Fargo. By God’s grace, the community has grown substantially over the past year and looks forward, relying on God, to continue building a strong Orthodox Christian community in a part of the country where the next Orthodox parish is a three to four hour drive.
Father Oliver now serves as a chaplain for the 119th Wing of the North Dakota Air National Guard. In addition to being elevated to Archpriest and receiving the gold pectoral cross, Father Oliver’s commanding office, Chaplain Col. John Flowers presented him with a Meritorious Service Award for his service to the airmen in Fargo and for training missions in Africa.
Bishop Paul, who arrived in Fargo by train, was greeted at the church doors by Verona Carcoana, the mission’s eldest founding member. Bishop Paul presided at the celebration of a Vesperal Liturgy with Fathers William and Oliver, as well as many altar boys. In his homily, Bishop Paul focused on the theme of language, as the feast of Saints Cyril and Methodius was being commemorated, explain that while the language used in church is important, it is even more important for parishioners to speak the language of Christ’s love — for neighbors, for building up one another, and for serving those around us. Following the Liturgy, the parish held a potluck meal.
The following day, Bishop Paul joined members of the parish council for dinner and discussion about the mission, offering words of encouragement with regard to the community’s next steps. Bishop Paul then boarded the train to travel on to visit the faithful of Saint Peter the Aleut Church, Minot, ND.
