Pentecost in Kalispell & Butte Montana
On June 3rd, Saturday of Souls, the parish of St. Herman of Alaska in Kalispell Montana experienced the pentecostal joy of receiving our beloved hierarch and arch-pastor, bishop Maxim, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Being the eve of the great feast of Pentecost, the Liturgy felt doubly festal that day as the faithful of the Flathead Valley
gathered in synaxis to pray for our departed and to recall and anticipate the great gift of the Holy Spirit. In his homily, Bishop Maxim spoke of the transformative encounter with Christ that we experience in the life in the Church and in her mysteries, which is only possible for mankind through the Pentecostal gift of the Holy Spirit. Being also the feast of Sts. Constantine and Helena, His Grace, reminded the faithful that it is in the lives of the saints that we see the promise of the Holy Spirit lived out in the history of the this world and are thereby reminded of the promise in our own daily lives. The community was also blessed that day to have Fr. Russell Radoicich from Holy Trinity in Butte serve as first priest. Following the Liturgy, all enjoyed a festal meal with music and dance by the talented parishioners and children of St. Herman’s. As always, the children loved spending time with their Father Bishop as they freely manifest the joy Pand peace that was so palpable that day.
BUTTE MONTANA welcomed His Grace, or Father, Bishop MAXIM on June 3rd & 4th for the beseeching and outpouring of The Holy Spirit on the Great Feast of Pentecost, The Holy Trinity Parish Feast-day Slava. The Church was filled with Green Grass as a mark of the pouring fourth of New Life enlivened by The Holy Spirit.
The action of The Holy Spirit was manifested in our Bishop himself, as Holy Scripture tells us. (Acts. 20:28) . And in the Grace of the Tonsure of Michael Dahle and Nicholas Dawson to be Readers/Cantors for the Edification of the Church. Also by the Gift of the Holy Spirit in the Holy Chrismation of Gary & Sarah Otteson. And by the Consecration and Communion of the Body & Blood of Christ. Then by the powerful Kneeling Prayers themselves beseeching the Holy Spirit while faithful braided small grass Pentecost Wreaths for their home prayer corners.
The Patronal Feastday Bread (Kolach) was blessed and the feasting continued for an entire week. Good fellowship was had by all. Glory be to The Father and to The Son, and to The Holy Spirit. The Trinity One in Essence and Undivided.
