Consecration Weekend
This past weekend was full of joy and celebration! Episcopalians from across the Diocese of Virginia and the Episcopal Church gathered in Richmond as we ordained and consecrated our fourteenth Bishop, The Rt. Rev. Mark Stevenson. St. Michael’s was incredibly well represented—seventeen parishioners made the journey! A tremendous thanks to Wendy Ikezawa for generously opening her Richmond home to host and feed many of us for dinner on Friday night. I am also grateful to Noel Warford, our Music Minister, and the members of our choir who helped to lead worship with their beautiful voices. Michael Cavey proudly carried the St. Michael’s banner, and Linda Kelleher graciously served as an usher. More than 35 bishops from around the United States, England, Tanzania, and Ghana, joined in the iconic laying on of hands as we made a new bishop in the church. Presiding Bishop Michael Curry powerfully preached, and acknowledged a painful part of our past, the slave triangle, which has deep roots in Virginia, and has become the source of a triangle of hope. The offering collected was all put towards the cost of youth pilgrimages that are formed in relationship between Ghana, Liverpool, and Virginia—original points on the transatlantic slave trade. It was an inspiring and hopeful day! We hope to soon see our new Bishop about the Diocese and at St. Michael’s.
Learn more from the official press release.
Seven members of the St. Michael’s choir provided musical leadership for the consecration worship.