On or near June 28, 2013, Fr. Ignatius Lozano was made a priest of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. He will serve near Lockhart, Texas.
Fr. Archimandrite Michael (Kinsfather) is a Western Rite Russian Orthodox clergyman of San Antonio, Texas. Fr. Michael has a chapel in his house dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels. (continued further below)
Today, July 2, 2013, I learned that there is a third RWRV priest in Texas, Fr. Benigno Manuel Pardo of Houston (photo above). I do not know when Fr. Benigno was ordained or what the name of his parish is, and it does not appear on the RWRV website (rwrv.org). Fr. Benigno is in his 70s, about the age attained by St. Theodore of Canterbury when he set out to enter a new land (England) and begin completely fresh apostolic labors. Fr. Benigno formerly resided in League City, the town where I resided with my family, from age six to age ten (yes, it was a few years ago).
At least two of our new priests can speak Spanish, and the outreach to Hispanics in Texas is something extremely important.
May God bless and protect these new laborers in the vineyard of Christ.
update: Fr. Benigno and Fr. Ignatius are among the "Beacon" ordinands, who assembled, apparently in Beacon, New York (the event is still shrouded in much secrecy) to be ordained in a group ordination under conditions which can render ordinations as invalid according to the Canons of the Seven Ecumenical Councils. Subsequently to this misstep, these men's ordinations were nullified by the Synod of Bishops. Our thoughts and prayers and love are very much with these new brethren. They themselves did not a single thing wrong. So it is with great respect and anticipation that we await the day when they may take their places beside us at the most holy altar table, pending their Orthodox formation and a canonical ordination. This is a very painful time of transition and waiting, and it calls for every kindness and every show of support from us, for these brethren. Dear brethren, if I can be of any help to you, please call me at (512) 696-6890. -- Fr. Aidan
Fr. Archimandrite Michael (Kinsfather) is a Western Rite Russian Orthodox clergyman of San Antonio, Texas. Fr. Michael has a chapel in his house dedicated to St. Michael and All Angels. (continued further below)
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| Fr. Benigno Manuel Pardo |
At least two of our new priests can speak Spanish, and the outreach to Hispanics in Texas is something extremely important.
May God bless and protect these new laborers in the vineyard of Christ.
update: Fr. Benigno and Fr. Ignatius are among the "Beacon" ordinands, who assembled, apparently in Beacon, New York (the event is still shrouded in much secrecy) to be ordained in a group ordination under conditions which can render ordinations as invalid according to the Canons of the Seven Ecumenical Councils. Subsequently to this misstep, these men's ordinations were nullified by the Synod of Bishops. Our thoughts and prayers and love are very much with these new brethren. They themselves did not a single thing wrong. So it is with great respect and anticipation that we await the day when they may take their places beside us at the most holy altar table, pending their Orthodox formation and a canonical ordination. This is a very painful time of transition and waiting, and it calls for every kindness and every show of support from us, for these brethren. Dear brethren, if I can be of any help to you, please call me at (512) 696-6890. -- Fr. Aidan