Bishop Thomas Visits St. George Church + Upper Darby, PA
Over the weekend of December 7-9, 2012, the community of St. George Church in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania was blessed to host His Grace Bishop Thomas. Friday evening saw a gathering of college students from the local Drexel, Temple, and UPenn chapters of Orthodox Christian Fellowship. During the Lenten meal the students talked with Sayedna Thomas about modern issues facing the faithful, including matters of science, bioethics, and medicine. His Grace encouraged them to always seek Christ and to pray that He sanctify whatever career they pursue so that their talents might glorify God.
On Saturday morning Bishop Thomas had a light breakfast with some of the parish's younger Sunday school children and answered questions about his life as a bishop, his interest in sports, and even whether or not he got to take a vacation sometimes. He then enjoyed a lovely Lenten lunch sponsored by the Ladies Society of St. George, where he spoke to them about the works of the Diocese and Archdiocese, such as youth programs, the camping program, Parish Life Conferences and more. After Vespers on Saturday, His Grace spent the evening with members of the Parish Council and with some of the founding members of the community. During the evening he encouraged them to continue the good work he saw happening and to do even more to make St. George a strong presence in Upper Darby, to find those who were seeking Christ.
On Sunday morning His Grace presided at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy, concelebrated with V. Rev. Joel Gillam and a very full Sanctuary. Afterwards the joyful atmosphere of the Liturgy continued in the Church hall over a brunch in honor of Bishop Thomas' pastoral visit. We are always glad when His Grace can visit and encourage our blessed community!