Consecration of the Church of the Ascension, October 5, 1975
Booklet for the consecration ceremony
Archbishop Iakovos arrives
Holy relics brought from New York by the Archbishop were placed in the cavity in the altar and the cavity is sealed with a wax-mastic he has prepared. Names of church's sponsors/godparents and of deceased parishioners were also placed inside.
Archbishop washes the Holy Altar and anoints it with Holy Chrism.
Parishioners gathering for the ceremony.
Preparing and blessing the altar.
Icon screens (Ikonostasion) are sealed with confirmation oil as are the walls and ceiling of the church.
Archbishop Iakovos leading procession.
The procession
The procession
The procession
Gathering outside the doors of the church.
Archbishop Iakovos offering prayers.
Archbishop Iakovos knocks on the church door with his staff. "Open the gates and let them remain open forever and let the King of Glory enter."
Archbishop Iakovos would enter the church first with the godparents of the church following after.
Ascension choir
Crowd gathered for the ceremony.
Godparents of Ascension
Associate godparents of Ascension
Commemorative coins of the Consecration
Archbishop Iakovos wore a Savanon, a white linen garment for the cleansing of the altar and preparation of the church. When done, the Savanon is cut up into pieces and distributed to the congregation as a token of their participation in the ceremony.