New ordination in Western America

The feasday of the Assumption of the Holy Theotokos was celebrated most festively at the Church of the Assumption, on the occasion of their Church Slava on Thursday August 28, 2008. His Grace Bishop Maxim of Western America officiated together with special guest His Grace Bishop Joanikije of Budim and Niksic who had just arrived to the diocese for the occasion of their annual Diocesan Days celebration. Ten priests assisted the hierarchs at the liturgy and the reponses were sung by the Belgrade Theological Student Choir, also visiting the Western Diocese for the diocesan celebration.

Adding upon the many blessings bestowed upon this parish on their feast day was the ordination of Protodeacon William Weir to the holy priesthood. Fr. William is originally from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He took part in the St. Tikhon extension program for five years. He also took courses at St. Vladimir's Theological seminary and the St. Athansius Academy. He was ordained by the hand of Bishop Chrysostom, then bishop of Western America, to the holy diaconate on September 23, 1990 at the St. Sava Church in Jackson, California. He was elevated to protodeacon by Bishop Jovan, who at the time was diocesan bishop. The newly ordained priest, Fr. William Weir served as a deacon at the Holy Assumption parish in Fair Oaks, California and now as a priest will be attached to this parish.