Archons gathered in Naples, Florida the weekend of February 25-27 to mark a singular and momentous occasion in the life of an Orthodox Christian parish, its Consecration. St. Katherine Greek Orthodox Church was consecrated on Saturday, February 26 before an eager congregation of parishioners, visitors and assembled Archons as His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta, assisted by the V. Rev. Archdimandrite Constantine Mersinas, pastor of St. Katherine’s, and visiting clergy, installed the relics of Saints Panteleimon, George and a martyr of the St. Sava monastery into the altar table, thus sanctifying the church and dedicating its building for use as a church.

Approximately 500 people witnessed the literal chrismation of the church and its holy relics and altar table, sanctifying it by the grace of the Holy Spirit. The congregants were fully engrossed as His Eminence Metropolitan Alexios washed the altar table, anointed it with chrism, vested the table and anointed the walls and icons of the church.

All those present—clergy, parishioners and Archons—were active participants in this solemn ceremony as each filled the vigil lamp with oil that is placed on the altar table. The attendees also received a cherished souvenir from this truly memorable day: a small boxed icon of St. Katherine with a piece of the white savanon worn His Eminence while washing the altar table.

A luncheon was held at the Ritz Carlton Resort, celebrating the Consecration as well as recognizing founders and supporters of St. Katherine. Master of Ceremonies for this event was Archon and Fox News White House Correspondent, Michael Emanuel. Regional Commander for Southeastern Florida, Archon John C. Scurtis, met with Archons from Naples and other areas of the country discussing an upcoming event to be held in Miami this fall with the central theme “Religious Freedom for Our Mother Church”.