Gallery of Photographs

May 30th - Sacramental Rite of Chrismation of Ryan Basil Weldzius

On All Saints Day (5/30/2010) between the 3rd and 6th hours before the Divine Liturgy, I, Ryan (Basil), was officially received into the Eastern Orthodox Church by Holy Chrismation, thus completing the first leg of my "odyssey." With my godparents Stephen and Jaana by my side and my with the support of my family and friends (a special thanks to my wonderful sister Sharon and her boyfriend Chris for celebrating this special occasion with me), Fr. Christopher recited the prayer of absolution asking God to forgive my transgressions and then anointed my forehead, eyes, nostrils, mouth, ears, chest, hands and feet with holy chrism, reciting each time, "The seal of the gift of the Holy Spirit." It is through the sacrament of Chrismation that a person becomes a member of the laos (the people of God). Bishop Kallistos Ware explains, "Through Chrismation every member of the Church becomes a prophet, and receives a share in the royal priesthood of Christ; all Christians alike, because they are chrismated, are called to act as conscious witnesses of the Truth. 'You have an anointing (chrisma) from the Holy One, and know all things' (John 2:20) (Ware, 279)." While I was filled with absolute joy after the sacramental rite, I didn't experience the full sensation of the "conversion" until the litany for catechumens, when I got chills knowing that I was finally a full member of the Church! I want to extend another special thanks to Sharon and Chris for coming to the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, to my godparents Stephen and Jaana for their continuing support and the beautiful Orthodox cross I'll always wear proudly, to Fr. Christopher, Fr. Nilus, and Dn. Michael for their spiritual guidance, Andrew for the beautiful Orthodox cross I now have in my icon corner, Saasha and Polly for the wonderful handmade cards, and Alexandra for running to church to make the ceremony (great effort, Prefontaine!). Love you all! Ryan Basil Weldzius

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