Father John Reeves announced his retirement today as Holy Trinity Orthodox Church’s rector effective on or before the end of the civil year (December 31, 2018). He is the parish’s first rector and has been such for more than 20 years, having arrived in State College in 1996.
His letter to the parish reads:
Beloved in the Lord:
In what has been arguably the most difficult decision of my life, I have asked Archbishop Melchisedek to grant me retirement as your rector by year’s end. He has acceded to my request.
No other assignment in my ministry has brought me such joy. I have seen young families form, children born, others grow spiritually—both young and old—and many converts made. Through our campus ministry, I have witnessed the formation of vocations and rejoiced to see numerous Penn State students enter the priesthood and other ministries. Holy Trinity has taken seriously the vision to build up the Church beyond the parish.
Consequently, from a nascent group of sixteen Orthodox Christians in 1993, the parish has grown to a community of more than 200 souls, with a missionary outreach in Snyder County, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit. To paraphrase St Paul: “They planted, I have watered, but God has given the increase.”
You will have many questions and many concerns. This is understandable. Not the least of these questions will be the appointment of a successor by the Archbishop. A transition team consisting of representatives from Holy Trinity and the Chapel, under the pastoral direction of our Dean, Fr. Mark Meholick, will coordinate the development of a “candidate profile” to aid Archbishop Melchisedek in his decision. If you have any questions or comments about this process, you may send them directly to transitionteam@holytrinity-oca.org or call the Parish Office at (814) 231-2855.
In the meantime, pray for me. If you believe that there is an unsettled issue between you and me, please speak to me. Laura will be happy to make an appointment.
You remain forever in my prayers,
Fr. John
The parish will celebrate “25 Years of Mission” (1993-2018), including Fr. John’s pastorate, with a Hierarchical Divine Liturgy and Luncheon on Saturday, October 6, 2018. More details on this special event will be forthcoming. Save the date!
