I don’t often have the chance to attend an Eastern Catholic church, but a recent assignment took me to the former Candler mansion on Atlanta’s Ponce de Leon Avenue where Melkite Catholics worship and gather as a community. St. John Chrysostum Greek Catholic Church  has been here for more than 50 years.

Here’s the lede for my upcoming story:

“On the day he was to become a deacon, Eli Hanna was lead by two deacons to circle the altar three times as he kissed its four corners as a sign “his life revolves around the altar of God.”

“As the spiritual leader of the Melkite Greek Catholic Church in the United States presented him with the clothing of a deacon, the crowd of believers shouted in Arabic, Greek, and English “He is worthy!” Deacon Hanna replaced his white garments with golden vestments as he took on a new role in the church, one older than the priesthood.”

I put together this photo essay about the ordination.

You’ll be able to read more about Deacon Hanna and the parish community in our next issue.

-Andrew

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