Christopher - Dorothy wedding

This is my second wedding in as many weeks. Fr. John and I know the couple from our relationship with Holy Apostles Russian Orthodox Church in Beltsville MD.

The wedding took place at beautiful St. John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Washington DC. I have been there three times in the past and I have an open invitation to serve there. The three times that I was there in the past was before the reunion and I was not able to receive Communion there nor serve there. Now I can and I consider this to be a major blessing.

This is the first time that I have been at this cathedral since my ordination to the diaconate. I have been my St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, which I call "my cathedral" since every Bishop is supposed to have a cathedral. My Orthodox friends catch the humor in the last statement. I think that most of my Catholic friends also catch it.

Every time I look at the photographs of this cathedral, I cannot help thinking about some of the Psalms. One of them says "I love the beauty of Thy house where Thy glory dwells." It definitely dwells in this cathedral.

The two priests serving the wedding were Fr. John Townsend and Fr. George Johnson. I think that both are converts. Fr. John was my pastor when I was in the Air Force and stationed at Robbins AFB GA. I did not attend services at St. Elias Syrian Orthodox Church very often because the church was 106 miles from the base. I was really grateful when Fr. Maximos came to the Macon area for services in August 1973. I think that I have the year correct. Fr. Maximos is now Metropolitan Maximos of Pittsburgh of the Greek Archdiocese. The parish is now St. Elias Antiochian Orthodox Church.

Besides knowing the bride and groom, I also knew the best man, Garth, and one of the bridesmaid, Doanh. Not only is she a very beautiful woman, but she has a fantastic personality and it is always fun to be aroud her.

After the wedding itself as I went through the reception line, I introduced myself to the bridal party. Most of them have never seen me in the past. But I was surprised when Mia said that she knows me. We both work for the Y of Central Maryland. She is well aware of my photography and I hope to get some work from her.

I also had an opportunity to talk with Fr. John of the cathedral. Apparently we agree exactly on the issue of evangelization, especially when it comes to spreading the Gospel among black Americans. That was such a breath of fresh air!

Later in the week I learned that Holy Apostles Church is closing on the property which they are receiving from the Christians Brothers of the Roman Catholic Church. I hope that I can get another car soon and visit the property periodically. I would love to be a part of their effort to make this property a worthy temple for the honor of God.

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