Page 68 - Western Diocese Annual 2023

DIOCESE OF WESTERN AMERICA
Bishop Maxim visits Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in Fair Oaks, California
On Saturday, April 1, 2023, Vladika Maxim ar- rived shortly before Vespers. As he entered our Church, he was enthusiastically greeted
by quite a number of people who had awaited his ar- rival. The service was prayerful and solemn. As we exited the Church, many commented on how beauti- ful the evening sunset was. The sun was beginning to set and all was still. It was a lovely evening.
Sunday morning, Vladika was greeted with many people outside our doors and on the steps leading up to our Church. The most charming greeter was 9 year old Kennedy Baker who offered a lovely bouquet of flowers to Vladika.
Once we entered the Church, it was evident that ‘something’ was about to happen. Before the Divine Liturgy began, Kyle Gregory Acevedo stood before Vladika in the center of the Church. He was about to be tonsured a Reader! Cameras immediately appeared from all sides. Gregory, as he became known in Bap- tism, has been serving at all services for the past year – daily morning and evening, as well as Sunday morn- ings for Divine Liturgy. He has also been diligently learning and studying. It was a joy to witness his ton- sure as a Reader. We wish him Many Years.
The Divine Liturgy was beautiful. Serving at the altar with Vladika Maxim were Fr. Dane Popovic, Fr.
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