We are very happy to share these pictures and videos from our friend Fr Philip Gilbert of the consecration of a new church for the Byzantine Catholic community in Cody, Wyoming, where he is currently serving. Our congratulations to him and all those who worship at the new church - many years!
On October 18, Saint Luke Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Cody, Wyoming, celebrated not only its patronal feast, but also the consecration of its new church.
On Oct 18, Bishop Benedict solemnly consecrated the church, pronounced the decree of the mission’s establishment as a parish, and the appointment of the heretofore administrating priest as pastor. It is worth noting, that though this parish is part of the Ukrainian Catholic Church, it is a very American church: none of its parishioners are Ukrainian speakers and all of its services are conducted completely in English.
On Saturday, October 17, His Grace +Benedict, Bishop of Chicago (and the entire western US) was greeted at the doors of the church by the clergy, and then presided over the celebration of All Night Vigil (9th hour, festal vespers with lytia, matins, and 1st hour) which, despite the name, was only about four hours long. Those familiar with the Byzantine tradition may notice, and find it odd, that the entire service was celebrated without going through the iconostasis or entering the sanctuary. That is one of the peculiarities of the vigil for consecrating a church: since the sanctuary and altar are unconsecrated, the doors and curtain remain closed and the space is not used.
On Sunday morning the bishop was once again met at the doors of the church. Upon entering, he was solemnly vested in his episcopal vestments, the doors of the sanctuary were opened, and then the clergy entered the holy place and the consecration commenced. The first step is the “establishment of the holy table,” many parts of which are symbolic of the preparation of Christ’s body for burial. First, hot wax-mastic is poured on the posts of the altar, and the top is placed on it and permanently affixed by pounding in pegs or spikes with stones. The altar is washed with fragrant soap and water, wiped dry, and then anointed with wine, rosewater, and spikenard. After this, it is anointed with Holy Chrism and then vested: first in the white linen katasarka (the baptismal garment and burial shroud), which is permanently bound on with cord, then in the colored vestment fabrics we are accustomed to seeing. The antimension, holy Cross, Gospel, and 7-branch candlestick are placed on the altar, and then the entire church is incensed, sprinkled with holy water and anointed with Chrism.
Once the church and altar have been consecrated, the relics must be brought forth and placed in the altar. Normally, they would be kept in a nearby church, but in any case, they are retrieved and then led in procession three times around the church. After prayers before the exterior doors of the church, including the prayer of the Little Entrance, the relics are sealed in capsule and placed in the central pillar of the altar. Then, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated. (Some highlights of the ceremony from different points of view.)
After the Divine Liturgy, a festal procession was held in honor of the temple’s patronal feast, with a reading from the Gospel on each side of the church.
