Ordination at St. Gregory the Theologian Church

It is with much happiness and joy that we celebrated the ordination of our own beloved parishioner, Emanuel Chris ("Dr. Manny") into the Sacrament of the Holy Diaconate on the 26th of September, 2004. The ordination was officiated by His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios of the Boston Metropolis at our parish. Sadly, we bid farewell to Reverend Deacon Chris as he leaves St. Gregory the Theologian and assumes his new duties at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Worcester, MA.

The Special Cake honoring Deacon Emanuel provided by the St. Anastasia Philoptochos of St. Gregory the Theologian and offered to the faithful in attendance during the Coffee Hour Reception which took place immediately following the worship services. Axios! is a proclamation of Deacon Emanuel's worthiness to be ordained.

	Emanuel is presented to the Metropolitan at the Hierarchal Throne to be tonsured a sub-deacon. This takes place at the end of Orthros and the beginning of the Divine Liturgy. Emanuel's son, Nicholas, assists his father during the presentation to the Metropolitan.
Emanuel is positioned in front of the icon of Jesus Christ to silently pray and to reflect upon his transformation from the ranks of the laity into the ranks of the clergy. His white apparel signifies his birth into a new life devoted to the Apostolic ministry. The Hierarchal Divine Liturgy continues.
	*The Hierarchal Divine Liturgy continues.*
After the consecration of the gifts--the descent of the Holy Spirit upon the faithful, the gifts themselves & Emanuel--the Metropolitan prepares to receive the transformed Emanuel at the Royal Doors to hear his testimony of service to Christ and His Church.
	*His Eminence Metropolitan Methodios offers prayers on behalf of the church directed toward Emanuel and his desire to serve the Lord.*
*Emanuel kneels reverently before the Holy Altar and receives the prayers of ordination into the Holy Diaconate by the Metropolitan. In utmost solemnity, the entire congregation kneels with Emanuel.*
	After hymns of praise while circling the Holy Altar, the newly ordained Deacon Emanuel is presented before the faithful in attendance by the Metropolitan and shouts of AXIOS! (Worthy!)ring out in the church. Deacon Emanuel is joyously vested by the Metropolitan as the faithful in attendance continue to proclaim his worthiness--AXIOS!
Metropolitan Methodios offers the Holy Chalice to the newly ordained Deacon Emanuel and leads him to the solea of the church where he distributes Holy Communion to the faithful in attendance who have prepared to receive the Blood and Body of Christ.
	*First, Deacon Emanuel gave Holy Communion to his Mother!*
*Then to his Father!*
	*His wife!*
*His Daughter!*
	*And his son!*
*Then to his brother!*
	*And to his Aunt, the Honorable Yorka!*
***Deacon Emanuel, presenting his priest, Father Michael, with a gift at the reception that followed.***