Bishop Theodosy in Seattle

[January 12, 2009] On the feast of our Lord’s Nativity His Grace Bishop Theodosy of Seattle visited and served for the first time in Seattle, at his St. Nicholas Cathedral. Vladika Theodosy was greeted by the cathedral Dean, Archpriest Alexis Kotar, who welcomed the new Bishop of Seattle. The head of the cathedral Sisterhood, T. Bilibin, proceeded to present Vladika a set of red bishops vestments on behalf of the parish. On Nativity the Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Theodosy, cathedral clergy and guest clergy from the Antiochian Archdiocese and Orthodox Church in America – the faithful were communed from three chalices. During the course of his visit Bishop Theodosy, besides serving at St. Nicholas, was present at the children’s Christmas show, served at the All-Merciful Saviour Monastery on Vashon Island where he elevated, in accordance with the decision of the Synod of Bishops, Hieromonk Tryphon to the rank of Abbott, visited parishioners and got aquainted with church life in Seattle. Below is Bishop Theodosy’s Epistle regarding his first visit to the St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle. A photo report of Vladika Theodosy’s visit is also available.

Christ Is Born! Glorify Him!

During the joyous days of Nativity, when our souls and hearts are filled with gratitude to the God-Child Christ, Who came to this world for the salvation of mankind, I wish to share with you the wonвers of God's works.

For the first time the Lord allowed me to spend the feast of Nativity and the following holy days in Washington State, in Seattle, in a wonderful and warm parish – the St. Nicholas Cathedral. In particular the state of the parish is the result of the work done by its Dean, Archpriest Alexis Kotar and his wife, Matushka Natalia. I was moved by the bond of unity among the parishioners and their zeal in laboring for the glory of God and in apostolic work. When it came to doing something for the Lord and His Church, they would put aside their physical tiredness and personal matters at home. Joy in the Lord and zeal in regards to His House are manifested at St. Nicholas in a very real Christian way of life. This is noticeable as soon as one crosses the threshold of the church. The upcoming generation, thanks in many ways to the efforts of Fr. Alexis and Matushka, receive a firm spiritual formation within the walls of the cathedral and in the parish school. The church music during services sounds wonderful in the Cathedral. Together with the Znamenny Chant one can hear the music of well-known church composers such as Vedel, Chesnokov and Bortniansky.

As we gaze upon the Child Christ born in Bethlehem, it is with hope that we ask Him to continue to send His mercies to this holy place and to all those who labor there for the glory of God

† THEODOSY,
Bishop of Seattle