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The great feast of Theophany was celebrated with joy on Thursday, January 6, at the Diocesan Cathedral, Holy Trinity Cathedral. Archbishop Paul of Chicago and the Midwest presided over services for the feast. His Eminence was joined by Priest Alexander Koranda, Cathedral Dean, Protodeacon Thomas Keith and Deacon Paul Garklvas.

Prior to the beginning of Divine Liturgy, His Eminence tonsured second year diocesan seminarian, Joseph Whittaker, as a Reader, and then ordained him to the Subdeaconate.

After the consecration of the Holy Gifts, the St. Tikhon Orthodox Theological Seminary student was led into the altar for ordination to the holy deaconate.

Following the Divine Liturgy, the Great Blessing of Water was held in the center of cathedral. At the conclusion of the blessing of the water, the entire temple, along with the faithful were blessed with the newly sanctified water. His Eminence presented gifts and addressed the newly ordained deacon and his family.

Axios! to Deacon Joseph Whittaker and his family.