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Bishop Gregory Visits St. Nectarios Church in Lakeland, FL

Saturday, March 14, 2015 was a red-letter day in the life of St. Nectarios Mission in Lakeland, Florida, the day that His Grace Bishop Gregory came to worship with the parish and to ordain Fulton (Peter) Flynn to the order of Sub-Deacon.

The Bishop was greeted upon his arrival by the Parish Council Co-Chair, Dan Rodriguez, with the traditional bread and salt to which His Grace gave his approval. Then Fr. Nicholas Wyborski, pastor, presented Bishop Gregory with the handcross, welcoming His Grace to the heartland of Florida and offering a warm Florida greeting from all the parishioners of St. Nectarios.

Entering the Church to the chanting of Ton Dhespotin, the Bishop proceeded to the Episcopal throne and began the ritual of Tonsuring of Reader of Fulton Flynn, who took the name of Peter, and continued with the ordination of Reader Peter to the order of Sub-Deacon.

At the conclusion of the ordination ceremony, His Grace gave Fr. Nicholas his blessing to proceed with the Service of Vespers which was beautifully chanted by the congregation. In his homily at the conclusion of Vespers, Bishop Gregory mentioned that he felt very much at home at St. Nectarios, especially since his home parish in South Carolina, which he helped found, was also named for Saint Nektarios.

Following the Bishop's inspiring talk, everyone proceeded to the parish hall where a delicious Lenten meal consisting of various soups, haluski, jambalaya and wonderful desserts and fruit were served to the overflow crowd present.

Several children of the parish presented a bouquet of roses to His Grace which he accepted and then instructed the children to distribute them to the beautiful ladies of the parish since, under his “4-hour rule”, he could not keep them. “If I return to Johnstown within 4 hours, I keep the flowers; however, I won't be returning to Johnstown for 4 days!” he said.

After the meal Bishop Gregory took time to speak individually with several of the children, encouraging those who are eligible to be sure to come to Camp Nazareth this summer. He also was able to have conversations with many of the adults present who wanted to let him know how much he is admired and loved by each of us.

Finally it was time for him to depart and the faithful of the parish sent him off to his next visitation in the deanery with their best wishes.


Photos Courtesy of Daniel Rodriguez.
Bishop Gregory is greeted by Father Wyborski upon his arrival at St. Nectarios Church.
Bishop Gregory and Father Wyborski
Father Nicholas Wyborski
Tonsure of Fulton Flynn to the office of Reader.
Tonsure of Fulton Flynn to the office of Reader.
Tonsure of Fulton Flynn to the office of Reader.
Ordination of Fulton (Peter) Flynn to the Order of Sub-diaconate
AXIOS! He is worthy.
Bishop Gregory and Subdeacon Peter (Fulton) Flynn
Bishop Gregory offered a few words at the conclusion of Vespers.
Bishop Gregory was presented roses by the parish children.
Bishop Gregory presented strawberries by one of the littlest parishoners
Bishop speaking with a young parishioner.
Bishop Gregory with children of St Nectarios Orthodox Church