Information Update for Archbishop Dmitri’s Funeral
Aug 31, 2011
Dear Brothers and Concelebrants,
Christ is in our midst!
All clergy are invited and encouraged to vest and serve for both services. Vestments color is white or white/gold.
For the Funeral Service tonight, please gather in the St Seraphim parish hall to vest (the area that was formerly the chapel and the bookstore) at 6 pm. Please vest in epitrachelion, cuffs, and phelonion.
For the Funeral Divine Liturgy tomorrow morning please gather in the St Seraphim parish hall to fully vest at 8:15 am.
Burial will take place following the Divine Liturgy at Restland Cemetery and the mercy meal at Holy Trinity GOA (links for directions below).
in Christ
Fr Marcus
—
VRev Fr Marcus C Burch
Chancellor, DOS
864 299 1140
Link for directions to Restland
Schedule of Funeral Services for Archbishop Dmitri
Aug 29, 2011
Dear Clergy and Faithful of the DOS,
Christ is in our midst!
The schedule of funeral services for Archbishop Dmitri is as follows:
All Services are at St Seraphim’s Orthodox Cathedral, Dallas, TX (http://www.stseraphim.org)
Monday, August 29
Vesting of His Eminence (exact time TBD)
6:30 pm Procession to Cathedral and Panikhida
Tuesday, August 30
9:30 am Divine Liturgy
6:30 pm Panikhida
Wednesday, August 31
9:30 am Divine Liturgy
6:30 pm Funeral Service
Thursday, September 1
9:30 am Funeral Divine Liturgy followed by Burial and Mercy Meal (location TBD)
Clergy should bring gold vestments.
It is customary for priests to read the Gospel over the body of a reposed hierarch. We certainly want all the priests who are attending to have an opportunity to participate. Metropolitan Jonah, realizing that many of the faithful of St Seraphim’s and the DOS would also like to participate in the reading, has blessed this as well. To facilitate this process, Fr Seraphim Hipsh has set up an online system for signing up to read. See below for details.
More details will follow as they become available.
Please let me know if I can do anything for you as you make your way to Dallas.
in Christ
Fr Marcus
Gospel Reading Sign-Up
Here is a setup I have to help facilitate the many folk that will want to read over the Archbishop. If we send this out to the clergy list, this will allow them to sign up while they are here in Dallas, or even before. This will allow me to help coordinate a little smoother, I think. Thank you!
I have created a Care Calendar for the Archbishop in order to help facilitate the signing up for reading the Gospel. The day is broken down into 30 minute segments. One can signup for more than one, but the hope is to give everyone a chance to read some while we keep vigil over his body.
To see the available times, log into the Calendar by clicking on the link below:
To access Archbishop Dmitri’s personal CareCalendar site,
visit http://www.carecalendar.org/logon/85181 and enter
the following information in the appropriate spaces:
CALENDAR ID : 85181
SECURITY CODE : 4781
Then type in the security code. The place to type in the security code is roughly centered top and bottom on the page and to the right.
Once you type in the security code, look at the top of the page and click on “NEEDS” Here, you will see a list of available times. Click on one of those times and sign up.
The times before and after the Divine Liturgies need to be flexible, because they are not “set-in-stone” since the end of the Liturgy depends on the length of the service itself.
If you have questions, please email or text 972-838-0528 (Fr Seraphim Hipsch). God keep you!
In Memoriam: + His Eminence, Archbishop DMITRI
Aug 28, 2011
Orthodox Christians were deeply saddened to hear of the falling asleep in the Lord on Sunday, August 28, 2011, at 2:00 am, of His Eminence, The Most Reverend DMITRI, retired Archbishop of the Diocese of the South, Orthodox Church in America. The Archbishop was eighty-seven years old. Ordained in 1954, then consecrated to the episcopacy in 1969, his ecclesial ministry spanned fifty-seven remarkable years.
His Eminence was born Robert R. Royster on November 2, 1923, into a Baptist family in the town of Teague, Texas. He often credited his mother for providing him and his sister with a strong, initial faith in Christ. After discovering Orthodoxy as teens they asked their mother for a blessing to convert, whereupon she asked one basic yet predictive question: “Does the Orthodox Church believe in Christ as Lord and Savior?” As it turned out, a specific emphasis on the person and work of Jesus Christ became the hallmark of the future hierarch’s ministry, profoundly influencing his preaching and writing. Additionally the Archbishop would later recall that an Orthodox clergyman and mentor advised him early on in his priesthood to include always the name of Christ in every conversation; to make Him the focus of every sermon.
Having received their desired blessing, and after a period of inquiry and study, brother and sister were received together as Orthodox Christians at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Dallas, Texas in 1941. It was at that point that the two received the names of Dmitri and Dimitra.
Dmitri was drafted into the US Army in 1943, after which he underwent intensive training in Japanese and linguistics in Ann Arbor, Michigan and the Military Intelligence Service Language School in Fort Snelling, Minnesota. Following this he served as a Japanese interpreter at the rank of Second Lieutenant on the staff of General Douglas MacArthur. Dmitri was required to undergo the usual training given to all soldiers and was recognized, interestingly enough, as an expert marksman. He was blessed with a strong constitution and good physical abilities: as a teenager he represented his Dallas high school during the tennis state semi-finals. Later as hierarch he would comment that good health and physical strength should also be used in service to Christ. Following his own advice he pushed himself physically, traveling repeatedly by car for years, from one end of his fourteen state Diocese to the other in the early stages of its inception, visiting parishes and founding missions.
After his military service Dmitri completed his education, receiving a Bachelor’s Degree from the (now) University of North Texas in Denton, just outside of Dallas, and a Master’s Degree in Spanish in 1949 from Southern Methodist University. He completed two years of post graduate studies at Tulane University in New Orleans whereupon he returned to his home in Dallas.
In 1954, as a subdeacon with the Ukrainian Orthodox Church under Constantinople, Dmitri worked with the Mexican Orthodox Community of Our Lady of San Juan de Los Lagos, at which time he began translations of Orthodox liturgical services into Spanish. In April of 1954 Subdeacon Dmitri, his sister Dimitra and their priest, Fr. Rangel sought permission of the local hierarch, Bishop Bogdan, to establish an English language Orthodox mission in Dallas, the future St. Seraphim Cathedral. Dmitri was ordained to the diaconate and priesthood that same year and assigned as rector of St. Seraphim’s. In 1958 permission was sought and given to bring both Fr. Dmitri and the parish into the Russian Metropolia, predecessor to the Orthodox Church in America. During his pastorate Fr. Dmitri served as an instructor of Spanish at Southern Methodist University. He functioned in this capacity for a number of years. Dmitri also taught at Tulane University in New Orleans for a brief period during his tenure as student. While serving in the military, and afterward, particularly in New Orleans, he cultivated a taste for strong, chicory coffee, which became a characteristic trademark throughout his life. Years later, out of great respect for their hierarch, and with a certain sense of satisfaction, parishes would seek to make the perfect pot of Cafe Du Monde or Community Club Coffee upon a visit from His Eminence.
During the early years of St. Seraphim’s Fr. Dmitri continued his missionary activities among the Mexican Americans but was intent on developing the new community placed in his care. As a direct result of his desire that people from all walks of life hear the message of Orthodox Christianity, the Cathedral remains to this day, a multi-ethic parish, consisting of both cradle Orthodox and converts.
While functioning as both priest and university instructor Fr. Dmitri found time to help his sister with her local restaurant. As children, responsibilities in the family restaurant provided an appreciation for the art of cooking. As adults, the two came to be regarded as gourmet chefs. Not surprisingly celebrations at the Archbishop’s home in honor of specific religious holidays were awaited with great anticipation by members of the Church and local Dallas clergy. Following the teaching of St. Paul, His Eminence was enthusiastically “hospitable” (1 Timothy 3:2).
At such gatherings the Archbishop on rare occasions would recall in passing, certain struggles of the Depression. He did not dwell on the subject, but it seemed that the experience of going without, of laboring to put food on the table, was never far from his consciousness. He lived modestly and was generous to a fault, not only giving beyond the tithe to his Cathedral, but donating to seminaries, charities, diocesan missions, and persons in need.
While working outside the Church and tending to priestly responsibilities, Fr. Dmitri found time to print his own original articles in a weekly Church bulletin. In the 1950’s and 60’s Orthodox theological works in English were scarce, particularly on a popular level of reading. Fr. Dmitri saw a need and sought to address it. Later, his curriculum for catechumens used at St. Seraphim’s would be published by the Department of Christian Education of the Orthodox Church in America, with the title: Orthodox Christian Teaching. The Dallas community grew steadily; Fr. Dmitri had a unique gift for relating to all people. Both young and old looked to him as a loving father.
From 1966 to 1967 Fr. Dmitri attended St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Seminary in New York while concurrently teaching Spanish at Fordham University. He studied with people like Fr. Alexander Schmemann, Fr. John Meyendorff, and Professor Serge Verhovskoy. In 1969 Fr. Dmitri was elected to the episcopate. On June 22 of that year he was consecrated Bishop of Berkeley, California as an auxiliary to Archbishop John (Shahovskoy) of San Francisco. The consecration of Bishop Dmitri is regarded by some historians as the first consecration of a convert to the episcopate in America (though Ignatius (Nichols) was consecrated in 1932 but subsequently left the Church).
In 1970 Bishop Dmitri was given the title, Bishop of Washington, auxiliary to Metropolitan Ireney. He would later recall the helpful training he received as an auxiliary under both Archbishop John and Metropolitan Ireney, particularly the many periods of instruction in Church Slavonic.
On October 19, 1971, Bishop Dmitri was elected Bishop of Hartford and New England. In 1972 the Holy Synod of Bishops brought Mexico under the auspices of the Orthodox Church in America, which had received its autocephaly (the right to govern itself) in 1970 from the Moscow Patriarchate. Given his knowledge of and fondness for Mexican culture and the Spanish language, Bishop Dmitri took on additional responsibilities from the Holy Synod as Exarch of Mexico. He was as much beloved by the Mexican people as by those in his own Diocese.
In 1977 at the 5th All American Council convened in Montreal, Bishop Dmitri received a majority of popular votes in an election for a new Metropolitan of the Orthodox Church in America. For the sake of continuity — a cradle Orthodox occupying the Primatial See was viewed as more in keeping with the contemporary challenges of a young territorial Church — the Holy Synod chose instead The Right Reverend Theodosius (Lazor), Bishop of Alaska who became an advocate and supporter of missionary work in the southern United States.
In 1978 the Synod of Bishops took an important step by creating the Diocese of Dallas and the South. His Eminence became its first ruling hierarch, taking St. Seraphim Church as his Episcopal See. Christ the Saviour Church in Miami, Florida, a prominent Orthodox community in the South, became the second Cathedral of the newly formed Diocese. The Archpriest George Gladky, a veteran missionary and rector of Christ the Saviour, was named Chancellor. He and Bishop Dmitri worked admirably with others to establish Churches and teach Orthodoxy in a region of America where Orthodox Christianity was relatively unknown. The first Diocesan Assembly of the South was convened in Miami, August 25-26, 1978.
In 1993 the Holy Synod elevated Bishop Dmitri to the rank of Archbishop. During his tenure as hierarch the Archbishop chaired various departments of the Orthodox Church in America. Early on he was instrumental in speaking with representatives of the Evangelical Orthodox Church seeking entrance into canonical Orthodoxy. His understanding of Christ as central to the Faith, helped guide these discussions. As an example, an episode occurred in which members of the EOC wanted to focus on particulars of worship during initial dialogues. It is said they were cautioned by the Bishop: “Let’s first discuss our approach to Jesus Christ, since everything that we have in Orthodoxy proceeds from that core set of teachings.”
On September 4, 2008, following the retirement of Metropolitan Herman, the Holy Synod named Archbishop Dmitri as the locum tenens. Archbishop Seraphim (Storheim) assisted him as administrator. In November of 2008, Archbishop Dmitri’s role as OCA locum tenens ended with the election of Bishop Jonah (Paffhausen) of Fort Worth as Metropolitan. On March 22, 2009, the Archbishop requested retirement from active duty as a Diocesan Bishop effective March 31, 2009. Under his leadership the Diocese of the South grew from approximately twelve communities to over seventy at the present time and remains one of the most vibrant Dioceses in the OCA.
During the past two years the Archbishop has lived quietly at his home, writing, making occasional visits to Diocesan communities, and maintaining a quiet involvement with the life of St. Seraphim Cathedral. He was blessed in his last days to have many parishioners who visited and cared for him at home twenty-four hours a day as well as medical professionals who came to his bedside to treat and evaluate his condition. The community in turn received a great blessing from the love and courage with which the Archbishop welcomed them and approached his illness. He remained courteous, hospitable and dignified throughout, even attending Church when his strength allowed. These unexpected visits to the Cathedral by the Archbishop were sources of joy and inspiration to the faithful.
For his former Diocese and the Orthodox Church in America, His Eminence leaves behind a progressive vision of evangelism and ecclesial life, a solid foundation upon which to develop future communities and schools. He leaves the faithful the experience of having had a compassionate father whose enthusiasm was contagious, inspiring many to look profoundly at their own vocations in the Church.
Archbishop Dmitri’s greatest joys as well as sorrows were connected to his episcopal ministry. The establishment of new missions, the ordinations of men to the priesthood or diaconate, and the reception of others into Orthodoxy were continual sources of delight. In addition he patiently dealt with clergy and laymen during his tenure who needed correction. In fact, it would be difficult to recall an instance where he strongly reprimanded anyone, at least publicly. Private, gentle advice when needed was more “his style.” At times his approach confused and frustrated some who believed that his manner of oversight should be stricter; that he should be more demanding in his expectations. Again, this was never the Archbishop’s way. It was not in his character to remind people bluntly of their responsibilities. The Archbishop chose to lead by example rather than by decree. Ultimately and personally this became a source of his extraordinary influence and popularity. Mere suggestions were readily received as directives because of people’s fondness for His Eminence. More than once the comment was made: “you cannot buy that kind of authority,” authority that proceeds from integrity and proven dedication, from a loving relationship between a father and his children.
As stated, Archbishop Dmitri’s episcopacy was strongly characterized by a single-minded devotion to the person and work of Jesus Christ. His publications are testimony to this dedication. They include commentaries on: The Sermon on the Mount, The Parables of Christ, The Miracles of Christ, St. Paul’s Epistles to the Romans and to the Hebrews, The Epistle of St. James, and the Gospel of St. John. His works also include the aforementioned Introduction to Orthodox Christian Teaching, as well as A Layman’s Handbook on The Doctrine of Christ. Some of these have been translated into other languages, enthusiastically received as instructional tools by the faithful abroad. When asked to document his personal thoughts concerning evangelism or American Orthodoxy the Archbishop consistently hesitated, preferring instead to dwell on the teachings of the fathers regarding Scripture and Church doctrine.
For many years His Eminence was the editor of the first diocesan newspaper in the Orthodox Church in America: The Dawn. This modest publication was a primary means of education and an instrument of unity amongst members of a Diocese spanning over one million square miles. One full page in The Dawn was regularly devoted to making available his translations of Orthodox Spanish material. Later the Archbishop included a Russian page as well to minister to the needs of new immigrants.
The dignity that he brought to his episcopacy was well known. People commented on his bearing, the way he carried himself as a bishop of the Orthodox Church. Some found it surprising that such an august figure possessed great love and respect for others, that he presented himself as one of the people.
Without exaggeration it can be said that His Eminence was a rarity, a unique combination of faith, talent, intelligence and charisma. For the Diocese of the South, indeed for the Orthodox Church in America, he was the right person at the right time.
Forty- two years a bishop, each day offered in service to Christ with Whom he now enjoys the blessedness of the Kingdom. We pray for his continued prayers and we thank the Lord for having given His flock the gift of Archbishop Dmitri. May his Memory Be Eternal.
“Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the Word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct” (Hebrews 13:7).
“For though you might have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel…” (I Corinthians 4: 15)
Information regarding the funeral arrangements will be made available as soon as the plans are finalized.
Letters of Condolence
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Attached are links to letters of condolence to the faithful of the Diocese of South in regards to the falling asleep of Archbishop Dmitri. As the letters continue to come in we will post them on this page.
Letter from:
Metropolitan Alexios
Metropolitan Alexios Mar Eusebius
Prayers for DOS Parishes and Missions in the Path of Hurricane Irene
Aug 26, 2011
As hurricane Irene makes its way up the east coast, parishes and missions in the eastern coastal areas of the Diocese of the South are bracing for the worst. St. Basil’s Orthodox Church in Wilmington, NC, and Dormition of the Theotokos in Norfolk, VA, have already cancelled weekend services in anticipation of the expected flooding and generally hazardous conditions that are expected in the wake of Irene as the hurricane carves it slow path up the eastern seaboard. Other parishes, such as St Andrew’s Orthodox Church in Ashland, VA, and St Cyprian of Carthage Orthodox Church in Richmond, VA, may yet be forced to cancel or curtail services.
When Hurricane Isabel devastated Edenton, NC, eight years ago in 2003, members of Edenton’s St. George’s Orthodox Church spent the following days helping neighbors in Edenton contend with collapsed roofs, homes flooded by the Albemarle Sound, and possessions destroyed; other friends’ homes here were knocked off their foundations by the same storm surge. “From Edenton’s perspective, the path and strength of approaching Hurricane Irene are practically identical to that of Hurricane Isabel, which we know so well, our memories haunted so vividly,” reports St George’s member John Morehead. “As our town remained without electricity for nine days last time, you likely won’t hear from us for a while [after the impact of the storm]. But, with many of our members living within walking distance of the church, which stands in the historic district across the corner from Edenton Bay, know that we will pray the Hours and sing the Typika at ten o’clock this Sunday at St. George’s, no matter what the circumstances and conditions, as always.”
In low lying coastal areas and those areas particularly exposed to Irene’s high winds people have evacuated inland, some by choice, many by order. It is unclear when it will be safe for people to return. For everyone in Irene’s path, especially the elderly and those without some other place to go, this is an especially difficult and even dangerous time. As such, the clergy and faithful throughout the affected area call on our brothers and sisters throughout the Diocese of the South and the Orthodox Church in America as a whole to intercede on our behalf and on behalf of all those who will suffer as a result of hurricane Irene, that our Lord would be merciful to us and keep us in His care.
Please see this link for more information from the OCA.
Update on Archbishop Dmitri’s Health
Aug 25, 2011
The Mystery of Holy Unction was celebrated Tuesday evening for His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri, at St Seraphim’s Orthodox Cathedral to a packed church. Many clergy and faithful from around the DOS came to pray for Vladyka Dmitri. This was actually the second unction service celebrated for the Archbishop. When his condition began deteriorating on Monday evening, several of the Dallas Deanery clergy together with many of the local faithful gathered in the Archbishop’s house to anoint him. By Tuesday the Archbishop was sufficiently strong to come to the Cathedral for a portion of the full anointing service. Following the service Tuesday evening Vladyka Dmitri displayed his well-known penchant for hospitality, insisting that the clergy stay and visit for a while.
The archbishop is receiving around the clock care from the faithful of St Seraphim’s Cathedral and several local clergy and is under doctor’s and hospice supervision. He continues to be gracious to visitors and caregivers alike, demonstrating even in this difficult time the love and care for his flock that has characterized his hierarchical ministry. Please continue to pray for the Archbishop, asking that God will grant him strength and healing of soul and body.
Holy Unction Service for Archbishop Dmitri
Aug 20, 2011
The Mystery of Holy Unction will be celebrated for His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri, on Tuesday, August 23, at 6:30 pm at St Seraphim’s Orthodox Cathedral in Dallas, TX. Archbishop Dmitri was released from Baylor Medical Center on Wednesday evening, August 17. “Vladyka’s doctors concluded that he could be treated at home just about as well as in the hospital,” wrote Mr. Milos Konjevich, DOS Treasurer, in a late evening correspondence. “The conditions that could best be addressed by hospital care have been addressed; a case could always be made for staying in a few days longer to clear up other issues, but his peace of mind in being back home was the overriding consideration.”
While in the hospital the Archbishop gave his blessing to DOS Chancellor, Archpriest Marcus C Burch, to make arrangements for the service to take place in the Cathedral. “Given the Archbishop’s continued weakness as he fights the infection for which he had been admitted to the hospital, it has been decided to move forward with the unction service sooner than later,” Fr Marcus reported. “Bishop Nikon [locum tennens for the DOS] suggested that it would very appropriate for the service to be celebrated by the Archbishop’s spiritual sons. Therefore, we have specifically asked the Diocese of the South priests in the Dallas/Ft Worth area to participate. Of course, any other clergy from the Diocese or other local Orthodox parishes are welcome to participate, as are the faithful of St Seraphim’s, area churches, and the Diocese of the South as a whole.’
His Grace, Bp Nikon, has asked that prayers continue to be offered in all Diocese of the South parishes and missions for the healing of soul and body for His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri, the founding bishop of the Diocese.
Update on Archbishop Dmitri
Aug 17, 2011
His Eminence, Archbishop Dmitri, was admitted on Monday afternoon, August 15th, to Baylor Medical Center in Dallas in order to obtain optimal treatment for a Urinary Tract Infection. VRev Fr Marcus C Burch, Chancellor of the Diocese of the South, spoke with His Eminence by phone this afternoon, and reports that He was in good spirits and looking forward to leaving the hospital as early as tomorrow.
While at home his doctors are limiting visit to the Archbishop to late afternoons and early evenings to ensure that he is getting adequate rest. He is able to participate in the services of the church or be present during fellowship to the extent that his strength allows. The doctors’ goal is to work on improving his strength, endurance, and nutrition, but this can only be accomplished with adequate rest. His Eminence is being well cared for by the faithful of St Seraphim’s Orthodox Cathedral.
We appreciate your prayers ‘for the health and salvation’ of our beloved retired Archbishop. And correspondence may be sent to the following address:
The Most Rev’d Dmitri
Retired Archbishop of Dallas
PO Box 191109
Dallas, TX 75219-1109
Dedication of Grave Marker for Revolutionary War General Isaac Gregory
Aug 15, 2011
[Updated on Aug 18th] On Saturday the 20th at 2:00 p.m. our priest Fr. Andrew Davis will offer the opening prayers & closing prayers for the dedication of the grave markers in Camden County for the heroic Revolutionary General Isaac Gregory of the Edenton District Militia.
The event is sponsored by our local Albemarle Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution, of which the president is our own St. George’s catechumen Scott Perry and the secretary is our own faithful webmaster Steve Avent. The welcoming and introductory remarks will be given by Peter Rascoe, Esq., a friend & supporter of our Orthodox Mission Station in Edenton since its organizing 9½ years ago.
The dedication of the historical marker will take place at the Sawyer Cemetery, on General Gregory’s plantation “Fairfield” in Camden County; and the public is invited. Extra driving time should be allowed on account of the present road construction approaching the Elizabeth City drawbridge project.
From downtown Elizabeth City, take Route 158 East about four miles northeastwardly to Camden C.H., turn right and follow Route 343 southeastwardly toward Shiloh for about four miles (passing Ivy Neck Road, Sand Hills Road, and Mill Dam Road twice), and turn left (about 300 yards before a county water tower) onto Palmer Road.
Follow Palmer Road eastwardly about 600 yards or 1/3 mile to the intersection of McKimmey Road from the left, and continue following Palmer Road eastwardly about 300 yards or 1/6 mile farther to the intersection of a farm lane from the left and, immediately beyond that intersection, to the Sawyer Cemetery on the right, thus about 1/2 mile total from Route 343.
Born in 1737, Isaac Gregory served in North Carolina’s final Colonial Assembly in 1775, in the independent Provincial Assemblies in 1775 and 1776, in the State Senate annually from 1778 through 1789, and in the State Constitutional Conventions of 1788 and 1789.
In 1779 the General Assembly appointed him Brigadier General of the Edenton District Militia, which he led (including its Regiments of Currituck, Pasquotank, Bertie, & Hertford Counties) with extraordinary valor in the Battle of Camden, South Carolina, against the British General Lord Cornwallis, on August 16, 1780.
Later in 1780, after the British General Alexander Leslie was sent from New York to Tidewater Virginia (in October to South Quay, on the Blackwater River in Nansemond County, and in November to Portsmouth), General Gregory organized for the Edenton District Militia a mounted company which, deployed around the Dismal Swamp (in early November by the North River’s Bridge and, advancing northwardly, in late November by the Northwest River’s Bridge), succeeded in thwarting the British plan for General Leslie’s army in Portsmouth to attack & capture Edenton by land and so invade & subdue North Carolina from the northeast.
General Leslie and his forces abandoned Tidewater in late November and sailed south to Wilmington; but in January of 1781 the British sent instead General Benedict Arnold with his army to Portsmouth, so that from January through July, General Gregory with his Militia, having returned to the Northwest River Bridge, again successfully guarded & defended the Edenton Military District (the counties bordering the Albemarle Sound or Chowan River), this time through repeated engagements around the Dismal Swamp against the army from Norfolk (commanded by the traitor until May when replaced by Lord Cornwallis), until the British retreated from Portsmouth to Yorktown in August of 1781.
The British next in March of 1782 sent four ships sailing from Charleston to plunder & burn New Bern and Edenton by sea, so that in April General Gregory mustered his soldiers again, along with cannon and vessels from Edenton and sailors to man them, for the defense of Edenton from the planned naval assault, until the British army in Charleston, along with their navy that had kept New Bern and Edenton in terror for months, finally in December of 1782 set sail in retreat to England.
Following the Treaty of Paris in 1783, General Gregory returned to peacetime service to his State and died in 1800 at his home Fairfield Hall on his plantation. Among his numerous descendants in the Albemarle has been his great‑great‑grandson J. C. Blucher Ehringhaus, of Elizabeth City, who served from 1933 to 1937 as Governor of North Carolina [and who was in 1922 the first president of the Elizabeth City Rotary Club, which sponsored in 1926 the establishment of the Rotary Club of Edenton].
General Gregory’s existing tombstone, erected before 1920 by the D.A.R., marked his grave in the field between Fairfield Hall and the Palmer Road about 200 yards south of the home; but it fell in the 1970’s, was stolen and then shortly recovered by the sheriff, and finally was garaged for three decades by a family member. The stone has been erected again now in front of the Sawyer Cemetery, directly across the Palmer Road from the site of Fairfield Hall and the grave, by Edenton’s S.A.R. chapter which has attached to it bronze plaques reciting further details of the General’s life & career.
Holy Transfiguation Church Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Pictured from left to right: Diane Gloumakoff, anniversary committee, Tracy Huening, church treasurer, Rev. Fr. Edward Rommen, parish priest, Vicky Lynch, church warden, and Judith Sidorick, council member
August 11
(Morrisville, NC) Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church will celebrate their Tenth Anniversary as a parish on Sunday, September 12, 2010 with the Divine Liturgy. The festivities will continue with an afternoon lunch at the Cambria Suites in Morrisville.
It was early in September, 2000, that a group of 20 orthodox faithful from the Triangle area asked Archbishop Dmitri for a blessing to start a new mission. With the support of their faithful members, the parish has become a strong family of the Orthodox faith. The church has been in her present location since July 15, 2006 after outgrowing their previous location.
Priest Edward Rommen and the entire parish community looks forward to this important milestone. For information about the upcoming Tenth Anniversary, please visit the Holy Transfiguration website.
Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church is located on 3491 Pleasant Grove Church Road in Morrisville.
Article on St. Luke Mission in Alabama
Aug 15, 2011
Please follow the link to read an article highlighting St Luke Mission in Anniston, AL.
Happenings at St. Basil the Great in Wilmington
Aug 10, 2011
Dear St. Basil’s Friends and Family,
Greetings on the Feast of Transfiguration!
Upcoming dates to place on your calendars / remember:
1. We will celebrate the feast of Dormition of the Theotokos on the evening of the Sunday 14th of September with Great Vespers at 6:30pm, and on the Feast itself (Monday at 9:30am) with Divine Liturgy. Please arrange your schedules to celebrate this great feast as you are able.
2. As noted, we were trying to coordinate a special guest speaker for the fall – the details of this have been finalized. Author and poet Scott Cairns will be hosted by St. Basil’s on Saturday, September 17, at 7:00pm (at the NHEDC in Landfall – see attached flyer). We will move Great Vespers to 4:45 this evening in order to host the public at this gathering.
In Christ,
Fr. Peter