June 8, 2009

Bishop Makarios Memorial Dedication Program

Over 200 people of all ages, religions and ethnic groups attended the event, which featured a bagpipe prelude by Alma College piper and student Alyse Redman and Malankara Orthodox memorial prayers for the late Bishop [see collage in separate entry]. The bagpipes honored the Scottish heritage of Alma College, while the memorial service introduced non-Orthodox audience members to the particular beauty and ceremony that is Oriental Orthodoxy.

A recent graduate of Alma College, Ann Armbuster, performed a cello solo from Handel’s Xerxes. Dr. Ron Massanari, a professor of religion at Alma and colleague of the Bishop, spoke tenderly about his love for the Bishop, choking up with tears on a couple of occasions. Presbyterian Chaplain Carol Gregg gave an opening invocation and Reverend Jesse Perry, a Baptist minister, said he was honored to give the benediction.
Collage of photos by Teresa Paprock
Upper Left - Bagpipe prelude, Alyse Redman
Upper Mid - Alma College President, Saundra Tracy (text of remarks in separate entry)
Upper Right - a view from the sculpture of some of those attending
Mid Left - Invocation, Presbyterian Chaplain Carol Gregg
Middle - Michigan artist Mark Chatterley
Mid Right - Cello Solo, Ann Armbuster
Lower Left - Fr Lazarus
Lower Mid - Professor Dr. Ron Massanari
Lower Right - Benediction, Reverend Jesse Perry

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