Axios!

On September 19 and 20, 2026, our church celebrated Father John and thanked him for 25 years of faithful, loving service as our priest. In 2001, during the midst of uncertainly, he was ordinated into the Holy Priesthood and with patience and love throughout the years has brought our church to glorious celebration! That appreciation was shown from friends, family, former members, area clergy, and many more with an attendance of over 200 people.

This weekend was spent with us gathering together to shower him with our support and love of how much we appreciate all his sacrifices him and his family  has given our church family over 25 years.

The weekend statered with Bishop Thomas arriving at 3:30pm for an informal meeting with the members, inquirers and Catechumen for a question and answer session. 

At 5pm Sayedna Thomas made his offical entrance into the church and attended our evening Vespers service. After the service at 6:00pm we moved to the social hall and had a delicious catered dinner honoring our beloved Priest Father John Dixon,  his wife Khouria Loukia Dixon, and their family.

We were also honored with the prescence of Father's mother, Geneve Dixon, who had just celebrated her 90th birthday this year, along with other members of his family.

The dinner celebration was a beautiful event with Sbd. Abe Saad as the Emcee and Sbd. Joey Peck who presented Father with a beautiful piece of a priests vestment called an Epigonation. It was a embroidered icon of St. John the Theologian from Mt. Athros. (see photo above)

A lot of lovely stories were told of memories of our church family and Father John Dixon. It was wonderful to step back in time and reminisce of our members who have passed on to their resting place. I would not missed it for anything.

On Sunday the celebration continued with Bishop Thomas presiding over the Divine Liturgy and the induction of several members of our church into the Order of St. Ignatious of Antioch. 

Also, Matt Davis was tonsured as a Reader by Bishop Thomas. (His beautiful wife Terra, does a wonderful job overseeing our coffee hours.)

Finally, we ended the unforgetable weekend celebration with an indoor picnic due to the rainy weather. I hope Father John and his family felt how much we love and appreciate him for all the sacrifices that he has given to our church over the past 25 years. We pray that God will protect him and give him the strength to continue serving our church for many years to come.

"God Grant Him Many Years"