“Diocesan News Release: Newly Ordained Reverend Deacon Thomas, AXIOS!

On October 2, 2022, Subdeacon Thomas Rivas was ordained to the holy diacoante, by the grace of the Holy Spirit and the laying on of hands by His Grace, the Right Reverend ALEXEI, Bishop of Sitka and Alaska at Saint Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Anchorage, Alaska. During the homily, Vladyka ALEXEI gave a word on the holy diaconate providing a foundational teaching on the role of a deacon within the holy Orthodox Church, his calling to serve the people of God, lead them in prayer and to serve the holy ranks of clergy, and his need to keep our Lord and God Jesus Christ close to his heart. His Grace remarked "The Son of man came not be served but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many." The Greek text could also be translated as "The Son of man came not have a deacon, but to be a deacon and give his life as ransom to many." 

Father Deacon Thomas and Matushka Lucia are born and raised Alaskans, having served the Diocese of Alaska since March of 2020. His Grace has assigned Father Deacon Thomas to Saint Innocent Russian Orthodox Cathedral and as the episcopal deacon. Please keep both Father Deacon Thomas and Matushka Lucia in your prayers! 


AXIOS!"