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Metropolitan Philip Consecrates St. John Chrysostom Church in Fort Wayne, IN

Click here for a photo gallery of the consecration.

On the weekend of September 17-19th, 2010, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip consecrated St. John Chrysostom Church in Fort Wayne, Indiana. St. John Chrysostom was founded by His Eminence in 1978 as a Pan-Orthodox Mission in northeast Indiana. After over 30 years of growth in the Fort Wayne community, the parish erected a new church complex with a grand worship space, classroom education facilities and a large family room area for fellowship of the Orthodox Community. The new church's altar was consecrated on September 19th by Metropolitan Philip, with Archdeacon Hans Elhayek; parish priest Fr. Anthony Michaels; Fr. Nabil Hanna, dean of the Indiana deanery; Fr. George Smith, priest in residence; Fr. Joseph Rahall, founding priest of the mission; and clergy friends from around the Midwest.

In addition to the consecration, Fr. Anthony Michaels was elevated to the rank of Archimandrite by the hand of Metropolitan Philip at the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy celebrated on September 19th. He was presented for elevation by Fr. Joseph Rahall, founding priest of the mission, and Fr. Patrick Kinder, longtime friend of Fr. Anthony.

On the prior evening, September 18th, a banquet was held in honor of the consecration. Metropolitan Philip presented the Antonian Gold Medal to Dr. David G. Bojrab, in recognition of his many years of service on the Archdiocese Board of Trustees and his commitment to the Parish of St. John Chrysostom. Several members of the Archdiocese Board of Trustees were also in attendance.