Video: Constructing a Western Rite Altar
The folks at St. Andrew Antiochian Orthodox Church (Western Rite Vicariate) in Oklahoma City have posted an edifying video on their multimedia page: the construction of their altar. According to the website:
Subdeacon John Dutcher and his wife Nila, of St. Elijah Antiochian Orthodox Church, constructed the new altar for St. Andrew Church. They put together this video of the construction.It is a beautiful altar, a work of art.
I rejoice in posting images of work, building, or renovation of Western Rite churches for reasons I wrote about here : they are constructive in the most literal sense of the word. May God reward Subdeacon Dutcher for his work.
Godspeed to our good friend Fr. Mark Wallace, his family, and all his parishoners as they gather around this altar to partake of the Body and Blood of Christ.
Update: Fr. Mark Wallace sent us this note.
Thank you for posting this video!May Godspeed your negotiations, Fr. Wallace. I did not realize Subdeacon John Dutcher fell asleep in the Lord. May he rest in peace, and may God be with all those dear to him. This video now serves another purpose: it documents one of the good deeds that preceded him in Heaven.
FYI - Subdeacon John Dutcher fell asleep in the Lord on 8 August, 2008. You can learn more about him by visiting their family blog at www.dutcherfamily.blogspot.com.
As of this posting, the community of St. Andrew has yet to celebrate its first Mass on this altar. We are still worshiping in the chapel of St. Elijah's. Currently, we are in negotiations to lease some commercial space for our congregation. As we progress towards that goal, I will keep you informed.
posted by Ben Johnson at 11:03 AM
4 Comments:
All I can say is: wow! May that altar last until Christ cometh.
My husband, Subdeacon John,fell asleep in the Lord on 8/8/8 from Pancreatic Cancer. He had already promised to build this to the Glory of God for St Andrews & when he was diagnosed felt it was the best way to spend his last days. On behalf of John and my family I thank you for keeping his memory eternal. He was at peace every time he picked up a tool to do this. God Bless, HIS Handmaiden Nila Dutcher-OKC OK
Dear Nila, may God be with you. We express our deepest condolences over his loss. It's our pleasure to draw attention to his good deed. What a glorious testimony, that he dedicated his last days to God, Church, and family. May his memory be eternal, and may the peace that passeth understanding keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
You will remain in our prayers.
Truly heaven does touch earth in the mystery of the Eucharist. Our beloved brother will commune at the very altar his human hands built.
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