Holy Communion for the Epiphany of Our Lord
2018 ELCA/ELCIC Bishop’s Academy, Christ Church Cathedral
Christ Church Cathedral was the sacred space used for the Holy Communion – Epiphany of Our Lord liturgy that served as a wrap-up for the 2018 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)/ Evangelical Lutheran Church in Canada (ELCIC) Bishops Academy.
This annual meeting held in January in different locations around North America is an opportunity for Lutheran Bishops to meet and study together. It is similar to what we would call in the Anglican Church of Canada, a “House of Bishops” meeting.
Approximately 100 Lutheran Bishops arrived early in the week following New Year’s Day and spent the remainder of the week in Vancouver. The Bishops Academy portion took place at the Pan Pacific Hotel. One of the highlights of their time together was a private concert by the acclaimed Vancouver Male Voice Choir, Chor Leoni which took place on the evening of January 3. Bishop Greg Mohr of the BC Synod of ELCIC is a member of Chor Leoni and was the organizer of this special performance.
The Holy Communion for the Epiphany of Our Lord was celebrated, Saturday, January 6, 2018, 5pm at Christ Church Cathedral. The ELCA and ELCIC are in full communion with the Anglican Church of Canada. Officiating at this liturgy were: Presiding Minister, the Reverend Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of ELCA; Preacher, the Reverend Susan Johnson, National Bishop, ELCIC; Celebrant, the Right Reverend Melissa Skelton, Bishop of the Diocese of New Westminster.
Between 250 and 300 Lutheran Bishops, spouses, Cathedral parishioners, and visitors attended the Holy Communion liturgy celebrated with text and music from Evangelical Lutheran Worship order of service.
The Very Reverend Peter Elliott, dean and rector of Christ Church Cathedral participated in the worship as did Cathedral assistant curate, the Reverend Ross Bliss; Cathedral deacon, the Reverend Jeffrey Preiss; and MC, Kerry Baisley, ODNW.
IMAGES
- The three Bishops at the altar prior to the Dismissal.
- CCC deacon, the Reverend Jeffrey Preiss fills the Font with Holy Water as Presiding Minister for the Holy Communion, the Reverend Elizabeth Eaton gives thanks for the Sacrament of Baptism.
- Bishop Greg Mohr welcomes the congregation
- Deacon Aura Suarez proclaims the Gospel, Matthew 2: 1-12
- Preacher, the National Bishop of the ELCIC, the Reverend Susan Johnson
- Chor Leoni Concert Photo: Bishop Susan Johnson
PHOTOS: Wayne Chose.