Daniel Sintos, who has been loyally serving at Holy Eucharist Cathedral parish for some years now, was officially appointed a Cantor and Reader just prior to the Sunday Divine Liturgy. In fact, he was leading the praying of Matins up to that point – something that he has done for years now as well as learning the tones and cantoring for weekly vespers and the Sunday English Divine Liturgy. His dedication and enthusiasm led Cathedral Rector, Very Rev. Fr. Mykhailo Ozorovych, to request that Daniel be officially acknowledged and elevated through the minor orders of Candle-Bearer, Cantor and Reader.
At the ceremony, Fr. Mykhailo served the role of “Archdeacon” leading Daniel forward toward the Altar where the latter bowed three times. As he stepped forward, Bishop Michael placed his hand on Daniel’s head and began the prayers of the rite. Daniel was then handed a candle and he began the common “beginning prayers” and then sang the troparia verses in honour of the Apostles, the three holy hierarchs Basil the Great, John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian as well as for the Mother of God.
Then the tonsuring occurred where the bishop snipped some hair from Daniel’s head at four points ‘cross-wise’ and then placed, over his shoulders, a cape referred to as a “short phelonion”. The prayer at this moment reads in part…
“O Lord God Almighty, receive Your servant, Daniel, and sanctify him; enable him with all wisdom and understanding to read and to study Your divine words, preserving his life spotless.”
The bishop then presented Daniel with a book of the Epistles [which sometimes includes the essential prokeimena, alleluia verses and Sacred Scripture designations for the liturgical year]. As is the custom for readers. Daniel made his way to the middle of the church and read the Epistle from Acts of the Apostles 6: 1-7.
Finally, the Bishop presented him with the stykharion (dalmatic) which he donned with the help of Subdeacon Ryan Bjorgaard. As this is the conclusion of the appointment ceremony, the Bishop prays, “….it behoves you to read the Sacred Scriptures and to strive daily after virtue, so that those who observe and listen to you may be inspired to do likewise. Never allow any blemish to disgrace the Order which you have received. Living peacefully in righteousness and holiness, you shall find favour with God…” Then Bishop Michael intoned the declaration of the “Axios” [he is worthy!] in which the entire congregation joined in.
We are pleased that Daniel Sintos had made this selfless step for service of the Cathedral parish. May the Lord bless him with continued dedication and opportunity to serve!
