St Luke Hosts Ordinations
by Sue Liskowski

Sunday, October 4th, was a proud day for the parish of St. Luke. His Grace Bishop Job of Chicago presided over the ordinations of a priest and a deacon, tonsured three readers, and bestowed the Jeweled Cross on Father Andrew during a hierarchical Divine Liturgy. He later described the event as revealing " the fullness of the faith" through the Holy Sacraments.

One of the primary events was the ordination of Father Luke Nelson into the priesthood. Along with his wife, Miriam, Father Luke was chrismated into the Orthodox faith on Sunday, September 6th, after having served as a Lutheran pastor for many years.

Father Andrew Harrison was presented with the Jeweled Cross, the highest honor a priest can receive. His Grace Bishop Job praised Father Andrew for his hard work at St. Luke's citing the spiritual growth under his leadership. He emphasized that not only does the priest receive the award but the parish receives it also. The Cross is silver and enamel with blue topaz jewels. It was purchased through the generosity of the parishioners. Fahter said light blue is his favorite color and he would have to acquire a set of vestments to match.

Parishioner E. Danial Doss was ordained into the deaconate. Deacon Danial announced at the luncheon following Liturgy that he intends to participate in a ministry dedicated to helping those troubled with grief and loss. A program called St. Steven's ministries is being considered.

John Adamovich, Will Stevens, and John Verderber were tonsured as readers. They will assist with the Sunday morning Matins services and help serving in the altar.

A luncheon was held at Sts. Constantine and Helen church following the Liturgy. Fr. Nicholas Jonas of Sts. Constantine and Helen attended breifly but was called away on an emergency.

Among the speakers was Father Thomas Hopko, Dean of St. Vladimir's Seminary in New York. He expressed his pleasure at being able to participate in this special day for St. Luke's. He reminisced about seminary life when he and Father Andrew were students. He also spoke about the need for ordained clergy but emphasized the greater need to have an educated and devoted laity.

Father Andrew's father could not attend because of sickness but his sister Carol Wasmer and his uncle and aunt Mr. and Mrs. Ronald Wetzel did.