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Consecration of New Church in Hermitage PA (5/18/13)

On Saturday May 18, 2013, His Grace, Bishop Gregory of Nyssa, assisted by the Very Rev. Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka, Fr. David Mastroberte and clergy of the Youngstown Deanery and other Diocesan and local Orthodox parishes, consecrated the newly constructed St. John The Baptist Orthodox Church in Hermitage, PA.

Following the two hour long Consecration Service, The first Liturgy in the newly consecrated Church was celebrated by His Grace, Bishop Gregory and the assembled Clergy.

Following Liturgy, a celebratory banquet took place.

The posted photos show scenes from the Consecration Day.

View Videos of Consecration Service:

www.acrod.org/consecration/bishopmultimedia/hierarchichal...

Learn More About The Meaning of the Consecration Service:

www.goarch.org/chapel/liturgical_texts/consecrate_church

His Grace, Bishop Gregory is greeted by Fr. David Mastroberte, pastor of St. John The Baptist Church upon his arrival on Saturday morning.
His Grace blessed the assembled clergy and faithful.
The procession around the Church with the relics.
The faithful gather at the front of the Church after the procession.
His Grace, Bishop Gregory chants the Gospel Reading.
"The Lord of Hosts... He is the King of Glory" - Bishop Gregory makes the Sign of the Cross over the doors to the Church Narthex before leading the clergy and faithful into the Church to complete consecration of the Church..
His Grace, Bishop Gregory explained to the congregation what would be taking place during the Consecration Service.
The Consecration of the Altar Table begins.
Preparing the wax mastic.
Sealing the relics with the wax mastic.
Sealing the relics in the altar table.
His Grace pours wine and water on the Altar Table.
The placing of icons of the evangelists on the four corners of the Altar Table.
The Priest assist Bishop Gregory with washing and drying the Altar Table.
The newly consecrated and vested altar table.
Parish Deacon, John Anderson elevates the Gospel Book during the Small Entrance of the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
Parish faithful hold candles during the Scripture Readings.
Parish Cantor and Singers.
"Take and eat... this is My Body...."
"Receive the Body of Christ!"
His Grace, Bishop Gregory offers a few words at the end of the Liturgy.
Host Pastor, Fr. David Mastroberte offers words of gratitude to His Grace Bishop Gregory at the conclusion of Divine Liturgy.
His Grace, Bishop Gregory with con-celebrating Clergy, seminarians and parish altar boys.
Bishop Gregory with some of the parish youth.
The head table at the celebratory banquet which followed Liturgy.
Presentation of flowers to His Grace by the Youth of the Parish.
Very Rev. Protopresbyter Michael Polanichka, Pastor Emeritus, offers a few remarks at the banquet.
The newly consecrated St. John The Baptist Orthodox Church
The Bell Tower.