To mark the occasion of their patronal feast day, the Nativity of the Theotokos, St. Mary Antiochian Orthodox Church of Hunt Valley, Maryland had the honor of welcoming His Grace Bishop Thomas to their parish from Wednesday, September 6 to Friday, September 8, 2017. (View the photo gallery)
The commemoration and celebration began Wednesday evening with a Paraklesis service presided over by Bishop Thomas. Following Paraklesis, His Grace met with St. Mary's Young Adult Ministry to enjoy a meal and to answer their questions on the Church's history, doctrine, and theology.
On Friday, September 8, Bishop Thomas presided over a Vigil for the Nativity of the Theotokos, starting with Great Vespers and Festal Orthos. Before the Divine Hierarchal Liturgy began, His Grace ordained Zade Jabaji as Subdeacon Hilarion. Previous to his Ordination, Subdeacon Hilarion had served the St. Mary's community faithfully as an altar boy and Teen SOYO advisor.
During his three-day visit, His Grace Bishop Thomas also received updates on the latest developments of St. Mary's building and renovation programs from representatives of the parish, as well as observing the newest phases of the on-going iconography project.
