Current Events
Around the Diocese
Current Events
Around the Diocese
Community of Episcopal Fellowship
Bishop Burgess had the opportunity to join our Community of Episcopal Fellowship in Effingham for the celebration of Holy Eucharist on Wednesday, June 18th within the Chapel of The Cross. Called The Cross at the Crossroads, this 198 feet cross towers above traffic traveling Interstates I57 & I70 at Exit 159. This Community of Episcopal Fellowship has been meeting for 2 ½ years to worship, participate in social events, and to join in fellowship and mission outreach. Having previously been restricted to worship within the Chapel only on Wednesday evenings due to it being occupied by a Presbyterian congregation on Sundays, that option is now open and these faithful people are considering plans to move to a Sunday expression of worship. Bishop Burgess expressed his deep appreciation toward postulant Danny Shuler, pianist Becky Lusting, Father Mike Clark, and Dean David Knox for their constant offering in sanctifying this place. This is the same congregation and (Eastern) Deanery that did such an exceptional job of hosting the 147th Annual Synod of our Diocese this past October. Following Dismissal, Eucharistic fellowship was extended by filling the seats around a long-table within the Gabby Goat American Pub and Grill in Effingham. “Come and See.”
posted 6/20/2025
Trinity Sunday
Seven adult inquirers met with Bishop Burgess an hour before the Trinity Sunday service and Holy Eucharist offered at St. George’s in Bellville. The final class explored the idea that if you want to know what Anglicans teach, you have to worship with them. This class of candidates has formed a bond of comradery that will serve them well as they step into leadership positions at the parish level. The Principal Feast Day of our Church Calendar was supported by the laity, the exceptional acolytes, and the vested, well-rehearsed Choir. Dean Ohlemeier is a teaching priest who takes every opportunity to engage his congregation in learning and discovery. Bravo! to the many Diocesan leaders who come out of this parish to serve our entire Diocese, whether that be on the Standing Committee, Diocesan Council, Cursillo Secretariat, or the Commission on Ministry. Trinity Sunday at St. George’s was as it should be; at once, complex and quite simple. “Do this in remembrance of me.”
posted 6/17/2025
The Day of Pentecost
Bishop Burgess had the opportunity to be with a celebrated parish church of our Diocese on The Day of Pentecost. St. Paul’s in Carlinville is historic, faithful, bold, engaged, and setting an example of post-pandemic progress (rather than just recovery). All was in place for absolutely beautiful worship. A Cantor offered a well-rehearsed setting of Psalm 104 and the 8 or 9 voice Choir prepared an anthem appropriate to the day of observance. This is a parish that works hard, leans into the needs of their community, maintains proper stewardship over tremendous gifts, appreciates authentic fellowship, takes risks when it comes to evangelism, and worships with gusto, bringing glory to God in Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit.
Fr. Carter Aikin duly prepared five candidates for Confirmation. This was meet and right as each is already assuming leadership in certain parish and missional responsibilities. If you have the opportunity to be near Carlinville, consider treating yourself to a truly wonderful parish experience by joining your voice with them in Common Prayer. The priority here is noticeably, “When the Day of Pentecost had come, they were all together in one place.” (Acts 2:1)
posted 6/11/2025
Cadet Jesus Robinson
Proud mother Genese Dadzie welcomed her son to the Diocesan Center last week while he was on academic leave from the Missouri Military Academy. Cadet Jesus Robinson is a rising Junior who enjoys the theatrical arts, runs track and cross county, and aspires to one day serving in the U. S. Air Force as a chef. The Missouri Military Academy is a private preparatory school in Mexico, Missouri. Established in 1889, the academy is a selective, all-male boarding school, serving grades 7 to 12. Having had time to meet with Cadet Robinson, Bishop Burgess was quite impressed with the young man’s vision and personal bearing.
posted 6/10/2025
Ascension Day
Ascension Day was spent rightly on the day of its occurrence (Thursday, May 29th) seated upon the cathedra while presiding over the celebration of the Holy Mysteries. The Dominican Order of Christ the Saviour met as the means of inducting three newly professed novices into the Order, bringing their total number of professed to seven. The eight-voice Choir offered the choral aspects of the Mass beautifully, with four-parts sung a capella as the organ went silent ten minutes before the service began. It was wonderful observing a Principal Feast of our Church Calendar in such a beautifully reverent and spiritually uplifting manner, to the glory of God and on behalf of the people He came to redeem.
Photos by Ian Pitchford
posted 6/03/2025
VII Easter
The observance of the Seventh Sunday of Easter began on Saturday morning in Glen Carbon. Bishop Burgess joined Fr. Mark Klamer in presiding over the St. Thomas Episcopal Preschool and Child Care commencement ceremony within the church Nave. Prayers were offered, songs were sung, certificates of achievement were presented, and a final blessing was pronounced over the graduates and their families prior to extending the celebration in the decorated parish hall. Words of appreciation were extended toward Miss Danica and Miss Amanda for their dedicated leadership and professional involvement when it comes to educating and forming students for success in the classroom. St. Thomas Episcopal Preschool is an important ministry of outreach within our Diocese.
Bishop and Denise Burgess then drove to Robinson, Illinois to have dinner with the mission leadership of St. Mary’s on the eve of VII Easter and to join with them in Holy Eucharist. All shared news of progress when it comes to being a witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ where they gather and wait, devoting themselves to prayer. One of the great challenges the City of Robinson is facing is a housing market that struggles to keep up with demand as the Hersey’s production plant and the Marathon Oil refinery expand operations. Robinson is the county seat of Crawford County and the largest city in Crawford County.
The 9:30 AM Holy Eucharist on Sunday was offered joyfully. What stood out as different this time was how the foyer to this historic school house, to include the bathroom facility just off the entrance, has been renovated to make that first impression quite welcoming as well as appealing. The renovation includes new wall board, new flooring, trim work, paint, and fixtures. The difference is immediately recognizable and it stands out as inviting and safe. The sacristy has been cleaned and neatly arranged so that it stands in support of sanctifying life, time, and space. This is a forward-thinking congregation that is attractive in their fellowship, patient in their outreach, and energetic in their evangelizing. Stay tuned for more front yard events that communicate to those traveling Illinois Route 33 the invitation to “come and see.”
Thank you to Fr. John Henry for being so generous with his time in retirement as he stands as St. Mary’s regular supply priest; to the Glory of God and on behalf of these disciples of Christ in community.
Rogation Sunday
Rogation Sunday (VI Easter) was spent with the saints of St. Andrew’s in Edwardsville. This parish is adept at navigating challenges with grace and tremendous poise. Case in point: The Saturday before the Bishop’s arrival the organ stopped working which invited plan B – that of a piano being brought into the Nave for the accompaniment of the hymns, anthem, and service music. The Choir and congregation did a beautiful job of offering the Sunday Eucharist in such a reverent and robust manner. This congregation serves as a pipeline for Diocesan and Episcopal Church leadership. They are aware and engaged, committed to the polity of our church and the great benefits of our particular tradition. They fully understand that our Prayer Book tradition suffices as the very best of catholic faith and practice.
Four candidates were “duly prepared” and presented to Bishop Burgess for Confirmation. Their participation within this leading parish has already afforded them the opportunity to serve and be recognized as leaders by their fellow parishioners. A recognizable increase of young families with children is occurring here, as it is with many congregations that define the Episcopal Diocese of Springfield. Bravo! to Fr. John Conner and his parish leadership for navigating the challenges of deep water so well.
V Easter
The Sunday of V Easter began appropriately on Saturday evening by meeting the clergy and wardens of St. John’s Decatur for dinner in a private room provided by The Decatur Club in historic downtown Decatur. Words of thanksgiving were offered and prayer requests were made in the face of growth challenges that lay ahead of these dedicated parish leaders. Sunday morning began with meeting those who would be presented for either Confirmation or reception into this church and Communion. Three were “duly prepared” and presented to Bishop Burgess; one for Confirmation and two for reception from Rome. The liturgy was beautifully offered with all sacred ceremony well-planned, rehearsed, and executed. A choral scholar offered a baritone solo during the Offertory entitled Mache dich, mein Herze, rein (Make yourself, my heart, pure) by J. S. Bach (1685-1750). Upon Dismissal, processional Hymn, and postlude, the Eucharistic fellowship was extended with a parish hall reception wherein Bishop Burgess answered in detail three questions that were prepared ahead of his arrival by the parish Vestry.
Mother Marisa Vogel has been in place just short of four months. Already, great strides are being made in administration, stewardship, evangelism, liturgy, and outreach. Please make plans to join us on the Feast of St. Michael and All Angels (September 29th) as our entire Diocese comes together for this Celebration of a New Ministry and her seating as rector of this leading parish.
“See, the home of God is among mortals. He will dwell with them as their God; they will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them; he will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
posted 5/20/2025
IV Easter
Taking the opportunity to be with a Springfield congregation after two weeks of uninterrupted travel, Bishop and Mrs. Burgess accepted the invitation to be with the faithful of Emmanuel Memorial Church in Champaign for the Sunday of IV Easter and for a service of solemn Choral Evensong. Bishop Burgess took this opportunity to thank the parish for “doing the difficult work of deployment so well” and for “respecting their interim priest so deeply.” The Evensong setting was composed by Richard Shephard (1949-2021) with both evening canticles by Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958). The Choir Anthem was a paraphrase of Psalm 23 composed by Sir Edward C. Bairstow (1874-1946). The parish Choir is well-rehearsed, refreshingly balanced, and liturgically disciplined. All was offered to the glory of God and to the delight of regular parishioners as well as visitors from other traditions.
Those who sing, pray twice (St. Augustine)
B.E.S.T. Conference and Honorary Doctorate
Bishop and Mrs. Burgess spent Tuesday, May 6th through Wednesday, May 7th at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel and Trinity Episcopal Church in St. Louis, MO attending the B.E.S.T. (Bishop’s Executive Secretaries Together) Conference 2025. This professional organization holds an annual gathering, which this year was hosted by the Province V “besties”. Priorities of this four-day conference include sharing resources, articulating best practices, and supporting each other within a collegial relationship that really knows no other comparison. Our own Erin Anglin had a tremendous part to play in organizing this event and inviting a few of the Province V bishops to be seated on a Bishop’s Panel where they were asked various questions and allowed to share observations, words of thanksgiving, and hopes for the future. Those bishops who were able to participate include: Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe, Bishop Anne Jolly of Ohio, Bishop Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows of Indianapolis, Bishop Matthew Gunter of Wisconsin, Bishop Deon Johnson of Missouri, and Bishop Brian Burgess of Springfield.
Nuptial Mass
Having obtained permission from Bishop Rob Skirving of Eastern North Carolina, Bishop Burgess officiated, preached, and celebrated the Holy Mysteries uniting in Holy Matrimony Catherine Marian Burgess and Christian Gordon Hansen. The Nuptial Mass was offered before the altar of historic Christ Church in New Bern, North Carolina on Friday, May 2nd, the feast of Athanasius of Alexandria. The rector, Fr. Paul Canady, did an excellent job of preparing the couple and opening the doors of Christ Church to those who offered their voices to common prayer and hymns of thanksgiving. The groom is a U.S. Marine who deployed to Spain and Senegal, serving two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and is now a full-time student at Southern Utah University in Cedar City pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace/Aviation Sciences. The bride is a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana and now serves as a communications manager for International Paper. Having started in New Bern, NC at the cellulose fiber mill, she is now based out of the IP’s International Headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder.
posted 5/09/2025
Diocesan Center Signage
The Diocesan Center, being designed as a round building, presents a few challenges to those visiting the Bishop or his staff. Chief among those challenges is, “Where’s the men’s room?” Taking a cue from various parishes throughout our Diocese, it was decided to install directional signage that welcomes and then moves people throughout the Diocesan Center.
As the rear entrance acts as the main entrance, the Diocesan shield was added as a point of reference to those pulling into the parking lot. Taking into consideration how many doors present themselves when entering that rear door (6 in total), we marked each office and room according to its function.
This is not only a priority of extending hospitality, it is a safety issue. As many of our Diocesan family members can attest to, there are interior circular hallways that seem to go nowhere. It is in the better interest of fire codes to identify interior hallways and the other outside rear door as the mechanical room for those responding to emergencies, especially after regular business hours.
The Diocesan Center staff worked with ACE Sign Company of Springfield to ensure a long-lasting, professional look at a low cost. Thank you to all who support the mission of their home parish/mission as it allows us to be mindful of the treasure granted to our Diocese on South Second Street in Springfield.
“Come and see.”
Holy Week & Easter
Holy Week and Easter Sunday were observed before the altar of the Cathedral of St. Paul the Apostle in Springfield. Major strides were taken to offer the very best of Anglican liturgy this year to include a brass ensemble which offered Hymn arrangements scored for Easter Sunday. Thank you to all who walked the entire pilgrimage from Palm Sunday through the Sacred Triduum and into Easter Sunday morning. As the Dean was out on medical leave recovering from successful surgery, many came forward to ensure that holiness prevailed. Bishop Burgess expresses his deep appreciation for the particular ministries of Susan Beard, Sara Camp, Teresa Beard, Ron DeWese, Jean Diamond, Clare Ribelin, Warren Swaar, Canon David Wells, Mary Ellen Wells, and Peter Roeder, Cathedral Organist. Pictured is a group of friends living in Springfield who are from the Church of England and the Church of Nigeria and who attended the Easter Sunday solemn choral mass at the Cathedral. Together, they insisted on a picture with Bishop Burgess.
As the women bowed their faces to the ground in terror, the two men asked them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; He has risen!” (Luke 24:5)
Chrism Mass
To the glory of God, 75 priests, deacons, postulants, bishops and laity came together to observe Tuesday in Holy Week before our Cathedral altar. Traditionally observed as the Mass wherein those living under Orders renew their Ordination vows before and with their Bishop, this is also the Mass where the Easter fermentum is consecrated and then sent out to the parishes and missions of our Diocese to be commingled with the consecration of their Eucharistic elements during the first Mass of Easter, connecting each parish or mission altar to the apostolic ministry of their Bishop. This Mass is often called the “Chrism Mass” as Oil Infirmorum and Holy Chrism are blessed and distributed for use in anointing the sick (Oleum Infirmorum - OI) and the sealing of candidates at their Baptism (Sacrum Chrisma - SC). The Cathedral Chapter and their organist did a wonderful job of hosting this annual Holy Week observation. Special recognition and appreciation go out to Mrs. Susan Beard and Mrs. Sarah Camp for making sure that all was in place for a very special offering.
Following the service, the clergy of our Diocese and their spouses were welcomed into the Diocesan Center for a catered Lenten luncheon of soups, salads, breads and small apple cheesecake desserts. That offering began with the a cappella singing of Hymn 686, Come thou font of every blessing and then with Father Bill Howard, the most senior priest of the gathering, leading us in prayer of thanksgiving for such an offering of physical nourishment and collegial fellowship. This was the first time that many of our Diocesan clergy had opportunity to meet Ms. Genese Dadzie, our interim executive assistant, and The Reverend Deacon Sontochena St. Jean who serves the community of Trinity Church in Mattoon and who is from the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti.
"For consider your call, brethren; not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth; but God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise, God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong, God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God." (I Corinthians 1:26-29)
posted 4/17/2025
V Lent
The Sunday of V Lent was spent with the saints of St. John the Baptist in Mount Carmel. With Southern Illinois having experienced record levels of rain and the Wabash River cresting to once in a 100 year levels, the parish leadership spent most of Saturday evening manning pumps, mopping floor, moving hose and vacuuming water that continued to seep up into their lower-level assembly room. The water was too much for the drains to work properly and so a great deal of manual labor was needed to prevent flooding. With food already ordered from a local caterer, it was decided at the last minute to move the Sunday brunch to the Knights of Columbus banquet hall just across town. In the face of that well-planned response, this parish took the time to gather for Holy Eucharist, bring glory to God, present for Confirmation two parish leaders, and extend Eucharist hospitality. Congratulations to Matthew Bruce and James Daubs, who became two of the newest members of our church. Bravo! to Fr. Mike Clark and the leadership of St. John the Baptist for their quick thinking, dedication and sacrificial offering of themselves. God is being greatly glorified in Mount Carmel, Illinois.
posted 4/07/2025
IV Lent
The Fourth Sunday in Lent was spent proclaiming our Lord Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead and giving thanks for the 25th Anniversary of St. Michael’s in O’Fallon. Having met in the basement of a home and then in the local Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Michael’s held their first service within their newly constructed church on March 30, 2020. It was the year of Y2K anxiety, when the Windows 2000 computer software was released; Tiger Woods won his first US Open; the fourth book in the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, was published; and the US Supreme Court announced its decision regarding the US presidential election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, settling the recount dispute in Florida. All the while, God’s Holy Word was truly preached and truly heard; the sacraments of the Church were faithfully administered and received; foreheads were anointed, children were catechized, Hymns were sung, the hungry were fed, the poor were lifted up, the weak were bid to be strong; and this faithful congregation grew in God’s grace together. Those who laid the cornerstone of this majestic church understood it as the New Jerusalem, and those who followed now also experience it as the plains of Jericho; the very last place of our collective sustenance before the journey home.
The leadership of St. Michael’s takes their ministry of hospitality and welcome seriously. Dressed in matching golf-shirts with their church shield embroidered over the pocket, ushers and greeters are at the doors early to ensure that greetings are extended and all is in place for the commencement of Holy Eucharist. This posture is again recognized at the Offertory as the ushers preside over the liturgical act of presenting the offerings and oblations of our lives and labors to the Lord (BCP pg. 344).
House of Bishops
From Tuesday, March 11th through Tuesday, March 18th, Bishop Burgess attended the House of Bishops meeting which was held at Camp McDowell Camp and Conference Center in the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama. This semi-annual gathering invites reports, continuing education, fellowship, collegiality, sabbath rest, opportunity to worship together, and time with the Presiding Bishop and his professional and vocational staff. Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe shared news of the progress being made when it comes to the reorganizing of his office (The Episcopal Church Center) and its reach into the larger Episcopal Church. All bishops are assigned a table with those that will spend the three-year triennium between General Conventions with prayer, reflection and discernment. Bishop Burgess’ table group consists of: Maryland, Northern Indiana, South Dakota, Springfield, Central New York and Western Kansas. In addition to the House at large and table groups, each class met for dinner. Based on the year of their election to the episcopate, the classes met at the College for Bishops over a three-year period of Living our Vows residency program. Bishop Burgess’ class consists of West Virginia, Iowa, Chicago, South Carolina, Nevada, Upper South Carolina, Springfield, and Pittsburg.
posted 3/26/2025
Maintenance or Mission?
When the Diocesan Center in Springfield was built in 1962, a series of gas lamps lined the two front sidewalks leading to the main entrances facing South Second Street. Over time, the lamps were removed and low-maintenance landscaping was put in to augment the sidewalk. To the rear of the building is a garden with one remaining gas lamp still standing. The Bishop’s office has a large floor to ceiling window that looks out over that garden, where the gas lamp was either originally placed or put there when the lamps out front were removed. We like to believe it was the former. Over time the lamp had fallen into disuse and was subjected to petty vandalism. The globe was cracked and the gas filaments were damaged beyond recognition (we thought the lamp was electric). Staring at a fixture intended as a statement of beauty, connectedness, security and stability now in total disrepair was not the priority of stewardship we intend to continue or communicate.
With the assistance of our friends at O’Shey Builders in Springfield, the lamp was inspected, the gas line repaired, new filaments and a globe were ordered and the lamp was brought back to full operation. Like the gas lamps adorning homes in Louisiana, especially within the French Quarter of New Orleans, the lamp burns 24/7; at all times and in all seasons. It is a fitting daily reminder to our Bishop of the story from I Samuel, where we are told that in the days of grave disobedience, and as the eyesight of Eli the temple priest had started to fail, the Lamp of God had not yet gone out (I Samuel 3:3); referring to the lamp in the temple at Shiloh, where Eli was the high priest and Samuel was a young boy ministering. It signifies the ongoing presence of God and the potential for renewal, even during a time of spiritual decline.
Thank you for your faithful stewardship as it allows the mission of the church to be experienced in every place that we find ourselves proclaiming the resurrection of Christ our Lord.
posted 3/20/2025
II Lent
The saints of St. Luke’s in Springfield came out mightily for The Second Sunday in Lent this past weekend. After having observed the lesser feast of Bishop James Theodore Holly (1829-1911) of Haiti and the Dominican Republic this past week (March 13th), the first African American bishop of the Episcopal Church, we turned our attention to the church where one of Bishop Holly’s two surviving sons (Victor) served upon ordination to the sacred priesthood. This church is not only steeped in history but saturated with the promise of God, with a congregation that sings robustly and prays fervently. Keep your eyes peeled for new things to happen right here in Springfield as the mission leadership team has welcomed Canon David Wells as their priest-in-charge. Continue to watch as the power of God enters this sacred space in order to have his way with us.
posted 3/18/2025
Diocesan Staff Hire
Bishop Burgess is pleased to announce the hire of Ms. Genese M. Dadzie as full-time Office Assistant while Erin Anglican is out attending to Family Leave priorities. Ms. Dadzie grew up in Springfield, graduated from Springfield Senior High School and spent most of her early adult life in the Chicago area. She has taught in the Chicago and Springfield Public School districts and she has experience as a Lead Case Investigator for the Cook County Department of Public Health. Having earned her MBA from Franklin University in Columbus, OH and her BA from North Park University in Chicago; Ms. Dadzie is currently a medical student at the St. James School of Medicine on the Island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines working toward her Medical Degree (MD). Genese grew up in the Evangelical Church tradition with a grandfather who was a Methodist bishop. She is extremely motivated, organized, bright, professionally poised, and looking forward to assisting us in our mission within the Diocesan Office. The Diocesan Office continues to be staffed from 9:00 AM until 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Please take a moment to welcome Genese to the Diocese of Springfield and to thank her for her life and ministry among us.
posted 3/17/2025
I Lent
The First Sunday in Lent was observed before the altar of Trinity Church in Mount Vernon. Fr. Parker Asplin stood as Celebrant as Bishop Burgess presided and offered the Homily. This was a very special day in the life of this parish as they observed not only the resurrection of Jesus Christ, but the Centennial celebration of Mr. Don Fletcher’s birth. Both he and his late wife were born on March 9th and their wedding Anniversary was the same calendar date as well.
Family, friends, and community leaders gathered in the parish hall upon Dismissal for the conferring of gifts, words of appreciation for his faithful Christian life, and a beautifully prepared luncheon. Mr. Fletcher served honorably during the second World War as a sergeant in the U.S. Army. He shared with those gathered how his greatest honor was to serve as a greeter, usher, and lector for his parish church. Mr. Fletcher earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Columbia University in New York where he served as a student acolyte to the infamous Chaplain Fr. James Pike.
Fr. Parker Asplin, parish leadership, and the St. Anne's Guild of Trinity Episcopal Church did an exceptional job of planning, orchestrating, and facilitating the observation of The First Sunday of Lent. State representatives, representatives of our elected leadership in Congress, the Mayor of Mount Vernon, and officials from the Veteran’s Administration were present to share words of appreciation and respect. All aspects of Christian hospitality were employed to welcome guests into Eucharistic fellowship. Congratulations Mr. Fletcher. You honor the Church Christ came to build with your life and ministry among us.
Thank you to The Guild of St. Anne’s for dispatching a basket full of homeopathic and over-the-counter remedies to Bishop Burgess’ hotel room upon hearing of his winter cold.
Keep your attention trained to this exceptional parish. They are the example when it comes to sanctifying life, time, and space.
Ash Wednesday Service
Ash Wednesday was spent with the Cathedral community before the altar at St. Paul’s. Peter Roeder, cathedral organist, assisted in planning the appropriate music for the service, which included the Imposition of Ashes and Holy Eucharist. Ms. Diane Gietz, soprano, offered Pie Jesu from Gabriel Faure’s Requiem and the Kontakion [Kievan chant] from the Eastern Orthodox Memorial Service. Assisting Bishop Burgess were Canon Sean Denney, serving as Deacon of the Mass, and Clair Ribelin, serving as Subdeacon. The Cathedral altar guild did a beautiful job of transforming the Sanctuary and Chancel into the proper form for the First Day of Lent, making it a wonderful place to enter in a Holy Lent.