DALLAS, TX: Well over 800 clergy and faithful gathered at St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral in Dallas on November 13th and 14th, 2026, for the enthronement of His Grace, Bishop Gerasim, as Bishop of Dallas and the South.
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Tikhon, presided, joined by Archbishop Michael, Bishop Nikodhim, Bishop Benedict, Bishop Vasily, Bishop Andrei, and Archpriest Theophan Warren, rector of the Cathedral, welcomed visiting clergy, deacons, subdeacons, and servers from across the Diocese.
The weekend began Friday evening with Great Vespers at 5:00 PM, served by Archpriest David Wooten, Dean of the South-central Deanery directing an all male choir. The Cathedral was filled to capacity and the service was reverent and prayerful. A reception followed at 6:00 PM, with the bishops and clergy gathering for dinner later that evening.
On Saturday morning, the clergy gathered at 8:30 AM for the Prayers before Communion and the Hours while the bishops vested in the Bishop’s residence next door. At 9:00 AM, the clergy greeted His Beatitude in the Cathedral. The Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Enthronement began at 9:30 AM, with the bishops and clergy serving in gold vestments. Following the Gospel reading, His Beatitude delivered the homily based on the Gospel reading for the feast of the Apostle Philip (Jn 1.43-51) describing the ministry of a bishop.
The occasion held particular meaning for a Diocese that Bishop Gerasim has already served for several years. Before his election as Bishop of Dallas and the South, he served as Bishop of Fort Worth and Auxiliary to the Diocese, then as Locum Tenens following Archbishop Alexander’s retirement. His enthronement brought clergy and faithful together to pray with him and celebrate this new chapter in the life of the Diocese.
Following the Liturgy, the faithful gathered in the parish hall for lunch, and the celebration continued that afternoon with a barbecue banquet. Fr. Marcus offered remarks in honor of Bishop Gerasim and the occasion. His speech is available to download here.
Bishop Gerasim was nominated by clergy and lay delegates at the Special Nominating Assembly in Jacksonville, Florida, on July 24th, 2026. The Holy Synod of Bishops of the Orthodox Church in America elected him to be Bishop of Dallas and the South on November 2nd.
Please keep His Grace, Bishop Gerasim, and the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of the South in your prayers as he begins his ministry as our diocesan bishop.
Axios! Axios! Axios! Eis polla eti, Despota! Many years, Master!
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