On Feb 10, 2024 Fr. Paul and Presvytera Joan Mayernick welcomed His Grace Bishop Sebastian of Zelon with open arms to St. Elizabeth the Wonderworker Church in Gainesville, Fla.

His Grace hosted our award winning Afieroma dance group with a reception before they performed at the Gala in his honor later that evening. There were 155 attendees and a special recognition to Joanne and Alex Theodore for their devoted service in lending aid to a family from Greece awaiting a kidney transplant, as well as to  Dr. Edwin Johary for his unrelenting dedication and hours of manual labor to install a large mosaic he hand-carried from Lebanon of the Virgin Mary and Christ Child which was installed above the adult baptismal area.

The AHEPA announced their 3 scholarship winners, and the evening concluded with an OCF Student testimonial from Andriana Detsis which brought tears to many eyes. She emphasized the support from St. Elizabeth on behalf the OCF and dance group to make it a “home away from home” for them.

On Sunday the Hierarchical Divine Liturgy was served by His Grace Bishop Sevastianos accompianed by Deacon Athanasios Kartsonis from Jacksonville, Fla. His Grace as always, gave a spiritual uplifting sermon to enlighten our faith to the fullest. He then tonsured the Altar servers which was such a blessing to those who served in the Altar. Next, we went outside and His Grace Blessed the Holy Icon above the adult baptismal font. We were so blessed to have our beloved Bishop visit St. Elizabeth and the love and concern he shows with our youth is imeasurable. They really love and connect with him. We even had Graduate students come back to visit with him.

Thank you to all behind the scene organizers for this most special event.  Marshall Schmidt (Our Parish Council President), James Simpson (Ticket sales) Especially JoAnne Theodore for her untiring work to put this all together. Stella Harbilas for her dedication to publicity and Bill Harbilas our extraordinary MC for the evening.