Houston Western Rite Parish Has a Name

Fr. Petranek and the faithful of Houston's Western Rite Orthodox church.

Good news for the newest parish in the Antiochian Orthodox Church's Western Rite: it now has a name and a heavenly patron. Below is the letter from Bp. BASIL, both the hierarch in the Diocese of Mid-America and bishop of reference for the Western Rite:

Dear to Christ, Richard:

Blessings to you and Elaine, your children, and your Christ-loving congregation.

I received your list of the three suggested names put forward by your flock, and have determined that our Diocese's newest mission effort will be placed under the patronage and protection of THE HOLY APOSTLE PAUL feast day: The Conversion of St Paul, which is kept annually on January 25th and will be known as St Paul Orthodox Christian Church. May your missionary efforts be blessed by the powerful intercessions of this holy missionary.

Your Father in Christ,
+ B A S I L
Bishop of Wichita and the Diocese of Mid-America
Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America

I read the congregation is slated for chrismation on November 11, and Fr. Petranek for ordination two weeks later. Here's an interview with Fr. Petranek.

May God bless the vineyard He planted with His Right Arm and establish it. And may He plant hundreds more around the world.

(Hat tip: Eric Jobe)