Bishop Maxim Visits Kalispell Parish and Ordains John Suvak to the Diaconate

The Eve of Pentecost, a Saturday of memorial and remembrance has again been united to a feast of exultant joy. Again, just like the preceding year, the blessings of God poor richly down upon the parishioners of St. Herman Orthodox Church, as they welcome his Grace their beloved Father and Bishop, Vladyka Maxim into their midst. With the coming of the Hierarch, the Apostolic fullness and unity of the Church is manifested as the people together with the Priests and Deacons gather around the Bishop. This auspicious day, the 26th of May, opens another glorious chapter in the life and history of this humble parish, because it is marked by an ordination.

With the arrival of his Grace the festive celebrations began. Upon being received by Father Daniel Kirk and his flock Vladyka entered the Church where after vesting he proceeded to honor the servant of God John Suvak, tonsuring him a reader and ordaining him to the Subdiaconate. Vladyka then commenced the holy work of the Divine Liturgy. His Grace and Father Daniel were joined by longstanding friends of St. Herman: Father Gregory Horton (Antiochian Archdiocese), Proto-Deacon Gregory McFarland (OCA), and Deacon Edward Jordan (OCA) who honored the parish with their presence. With the completion of John’s ordination to the holy Diaconate, Vladyka congratulated the parish on this momentous occasion. His Grace noted that the Holy Spirit Whose coming would be celebrated formally on the following day, had presently manifested His power in the Mystery of Ordination. He spoke of the importance of the Diaconate and emphasized the spiritual benefits availed to those parishes blessed with this ministry. Finally, Vladyka enjoined Deacon John to live out his new ministry and to serve all with love “especially the sinners, whom God loves the most.” With the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy and the memorial service for the departed, his Grace again calling to mind the miracle of Grace that had just occurred, invited the people to rejoice with their new Deacon.

Continuing in their state of festive joy the people including the smallest of them, again gathered around their Bishop, this time to enjoy a meal of love and fellowship. Along with the blessings of wheat, wine, and oil came the delight of being serenaded by the sweet and innocent voice of Bella Jordan, a youthful parishioner. Finally, having taken leave of his people, Vladyka was conveyed to Missoula by Father Daniel and Deacon John, where meeting Father Russell Radoicich he continued his journey on to Holy Trinity Orthodox Church in Butte for their feast day.