His Eminence Bishop Michael graciously took time from his busy schedule surrounding the Saint Tikhon’s Monastery Pilgrimage on Sunday, May 27 to visit Saint Andrew’s and its faithful, as they celebrated the 25th anniversary of their pastor Fr. John Klingel’s ordination to the Holy Priesthood. During his visit, His Grace tonsured our faithful altar server and singer, Chris Whitehorn, to the rank of Reader. At the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, His Grace formally awarded the jeweled cross, a loving gift from several parishioners, as well as the right to wear the palitza, upon Fr. John.
In presenting a gramota (citation) from the Holy Synod of Bishops, thanking Fr. John for his dedicated service over the last 25 years, His Grace remarked on the life of the Holy Apostle Paul, who supported his ministry through a career of tent-making. The lives of such ‘tentmaker’ priests, His Grace noted, are marked by their own unique difficulties and sacrifies. As Fr. John takes on the dual challenge of ministering to his parishioners, while also laboring in the world to support his family and ease the financial burden of his parish, he and his family frequently have to “do without,” offering their family life in devotion and service to Our Lord.
Following the joyful service, a celebratory reception was held at the nearby BiVio Ristorante, during which Fr. John offered words of thanks to the parish and his family, and Parish Council President Mark Guyer presented a slideshow of photos from Fr. John’s twenty-five years of ministry. The parish is particularly grateful to His Grace for his pastoral visitation and encouragement, and especially also to Deacon John Diamantis and his wife Andrea, of our mother parish of Holy Trinity in East Meadow, for joining us for the weekend.
Additional pictures of the Liturgy and meal may be viewed at here.