Pentecost in Montana

On June 3rd, Saturday of Souls, the parish of St. Herman of Alaska in Kalispell Montana experienced the pentecostal joy of receiving our beloved hierarch and arch-pastor, bishop Maxim, for the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. 

Being the eve of the great feast of Pentecost, the Liturgy felt doubly festal that day as the faithful of the Flathead Valley gathered in synaxis to pray for our departed and to recall and anticipate the great gift of the Holy Spirit.

In his homily, Bishop Maxim spoke of the transformative encounter with Christ that we experience in the life in the Church and in her mysteries, which is only possible for mankind through the Pentecostal gift of the Holy Spirit. Being also the feast of Sts. Constantine and Helena, His Grace, reminded the faithful that it is in the lives of the saints that we see the promise of the Holy Spirit lived out in the history of the this world and are thereby reminded of the promise in our own daily lives.

The community was also blessed that day to have Fr. Russell Radoicich from Holy Trinity in Butte serve as first priest. Following the Liturgy, all enjoyed a festal meal with music and dance by the talented parishioners and children of St. Herman's. As always, the children loved spending time with their Father Bishop as they freely manifest the joy Pand peace that was so palpable that day.

Source: westsrbdio.org