17 December 2006

Sealed!

Today my wife, six of my seven children, and I were chrismated. Before a sizeable congregation at St. George Orthodox Church in Troy, Michigan, we professed the Orthodox Faith in the words of the (original) Nicene Creed. We were then anointed with Sacred Chrism on the forehead as well as on the five senses (eyes, ears, throat, nose, and hands).

His Grace Bishop MARK presided at the Divine Liturgy and chrismated us. Fr. Joseph Antypas, the Pastor of St George, offered a gracious welcome in his homily. And we received our First Communion from the hand of Fr Gregory Hogg.

There were many great joys during this liturgy. Hearing nearly 300 people say "Sealed," watching my love and beloved children receive the holy oil, and then witnessing my 14 month old son receive Holy Communion--those were among the greatest joys that I shall always treasure.

19 comments:

Fr. Gregory Hogg said...

What a delight to see you all at St. George...what an honor to serve with His Grace Bishop MARK and Fr. Joseph...what a fond memory to see you all, including your precious little ones, taste the heavenly bread and the cup of life.

It was a bit perplexing for one layman when I explained that I was Eastern rite in Western Michigan, and that you will be Western rite in Eastern Michigan. :-)

Many years, dear friends!

The unworthy priest,

Fr. Gregory

Dixie said...

What an inexplicable joy it must have been to see your family (little ones too!) partake of the undivided Cup and at the hands of your dear friend.

Many, many years!

david+ said...

I am so proud and pleased for you! May God grant you many years and a most productive ministry.
Enviously yours in Christ,

Joseph said...

Congratulations! Many Years to you and your family!

Barnabas Powell said...

God grant you many years!

Barnabas

Susan said...

Robb and Ed and the Beesleys took new names. Did Julie & Jacqui & Jillian?

Fr John W Fenton said...

All,

Thank you for the kind words, prayers and well wishes.

Susan,

It is a laudable custom to take the name of a saint when baptized, chrismated and/or ordained. That custom obtains in Orthodoxy, Roman Catholicism and even in the Lutheran parish I once served. It was that custom that Ed followed when he was chrismated, and that Robb followed when he was ordained.

However, that custom is by no means mandatory. The priest who instructed us did not require it and, when asked, prefered that we keep the names used when we were baptized. So we did.

Susan said...

Thanks for letting us know. Given that I can barely remember the names of the people I live with, it's a good thing I don't have to try to remember new names for your lovely ladies.

Anastasia Theodoridis said...

God grant you (all) many years!

love in Christ,
Anastasia

Fr John W Fenton said...

Dixie,

In all honesty, mixed with the joy was sadness--the sadness of not having all of my relatives and spiritual children standing with us receiving the Sacred Chrism.

(Btw, for those who don't know, only 6 of 7 children were chrismated because our eldest was chrismated at Pascha 2006.)

Dixie said...

In all honesty, mixed with the joy was sadness--the sadness of not having all of my relatives and spiritual children standing with us receiving the Sacred Chrism.

Ah, yes. I know that sadness in part. Neither my husband nor our two sons are Orthodox.

You know, when you look at the icons of Jesus, the Theotokos and the Saints in the Eastern Church, they do not bear joyous expressions, rather, I see their expressions to reflect this very mixture of joy and sadness. It is quite sobering.

D. Benedict Andersen OSB said...

Congratulations, Fenton family!

D. Benedict Andersen OSB said...

Congratulations, Fenton family!

D. Benedict Andersen OSB said...

Congratulations, Fenton family!

Fr. Andrew said...

Many, many years to you all!

John said...

I appreciate your open and honest thoughts.

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Fr John!

Scott said...

Congratulations and Many Years! My family and I were received into the Church 7-1/2 years ago. I can hardly believe it has been that long! Your journey is not over, but has just begun!

The Bosom Serpent said...

Many years to you and your family. My wife, my seven year old daughter and I were chrismated Nov. 6. I share your joy.