Clergy of the Central States Deanery gather in Grand Rapids

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, many of the clergy and numerous parishioners of the Central States Deanery gathered at St. John Chrysostom parish in Grand Rapids to pray together in the presence of the icon and relic of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Wonderworker.

Prayer began with the traditional Moleben for those who have gone into error, followed by the ninth hour and Lenten Vespers. The Sisterhood of the parish prepared a wonderful Lenten meal and many of the faithful wrote letters to, and spent time with, St. John.

In addition to praying together, the clergy of the Deanery held a regular meeting, reviewing finances and the regular life of the parishes of the Central States, with particular attention paid to the continued revitalization of the life of our Church in America. Prayer for the whole Church and peace throughout the world was offered humbly by all. Christ First!