Bishop Gerasim of Ft.Worth Ordains Two Seminarians During Visit to St. Vladimir's Seminary (OCA)
St. Vladimir’s Seminary was recently blessed with a visit from His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of the South (OCA), who presided over services for the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt.
Arriving on Saturday, April 5, Bishop Gerasim led the Great Vigil that evening and the Divine Liturgy the next morning. In his homily, His Grace drew powerful connections between the lives and teachings of St. John of the Ladder and St. Mary of Egypt, underscoring the spiritual path of humility, repentance, and the way of the Cross.
His words were brought to life in a tangible way through the ordination of two seminarians: Sergio Hector Lopez (M.Div. '26) to the Holy Diaconate, and Dn. John Reavis (M.Div. '26) to the Holy Priesthood.
Beyond the liturgical services, Bishop Gerasim engaged with seminarians from the Diocese of the South during lunch, holding private meetings with students and families, and speaking with seminary children about Confession in preparation for Holy Week. Accompanied by clergy from the Diocese, including Fr. Marcus Burch, Fr. Justin Patterson, and Fr. Giorgi Lomsadze, His Grace modeled a deeply relational and hands-on approach to episcopal ministry.
Newly-ordained Fr. John Reavis shared heartfelt reflections on his ordination, emphasizing the gravity of priestly service as a gift carried in community. “I receive this gift and great responsibility with humility and pray to be made worthy to serve God and His Church faithfully,” he said, especially acknowledging the partnership and support of his wife, Matushka Christina.
Bishop Gerasim’s time with the seminary community highlighted that formation is not just intellectual, but deeply relational and pastoral. Through ordinations, teaching, and heartfelt connection, his visit offered a powerful reminder: the Church continues to raise up leaders willing to bear the Cross, not alone, but in communion with the Body of Christ.
