My beloved family in Christ, as most of you have heard by now, yesterday I formerly announced my retirement from the active ministry to St. Mary. I have been considering this for some time but delayed as asked by our bishop Anthony. Now though the time has come. I have received permission and blessing from His Eminence Metropoliton Joseph. I have agreed though to continue to serve the liturgy in order for you to receive the Eucharist. I will be taking a leave of absence during the month of August. Fr. Gabriel will be serving during that time.
There is some good newss though; Fr. John Chagnon tentively will be assigned as our priest. Fr. John and his wife Jane will be here on :labor Day weekend, if he can arrange it. I will let you know as soon as it is definite. He is currently an associate priest at our sister church in St. Paul Minnesota. He is 59 yrs of age. I have spoken to him by phone and believe he is, if God wills, just the man for our parish.
Dear ones this is not an easy decision for me but due to frailness of body and mind it is time. I have been so blessed to have been your pastor these last thirteen years. Please when the time comes support your new leader with the same love and devotion to Christ you have shared with me.
Pray that this Pandemic will soon be ended and the church and socity might return to some kind of normalcy. And as you have been doing please contine to send in your tithes and offerings. I am very pleased with your response so far. Keep up the good work.
In Christ's love,
Fr. Athanasius