Local Spirit, Global Faith: The Historic Ordination of Bishop Osios in Guatemala
On October 13th, the Orthodox Christian faithful of Guatemala received a bishop from among their own flock. Archim. Evangelios Patá was ordained as an auxiliary bishop of His Eminence Santiago, Metropolitan of Mexico (Ecumenical Patriarchate), receiving the name Osios of Sasima. His Grace Osios is one of five Guatemalan clergymen who entered the Orthodox Church through the spiritual leadership of Fr. Andrés Girón, a former Catholic priest who brought over 100 communities to Orthodoxy in 2010. After Fr. Andres’ repose in 2014, these clergymen have worked together to continue his ministry to tens of thousands of Guatemalan faithful, most of whom are indigenous Maya.
His Grace Osios’ elevation to the episcopacy occurred at the Saints Peter and Paul Theological School and Formation Center, located in the scenic mountains of the Guatemalan province of Huehuetenango. Metropolitan Santiago of Mexico presided, accompanied by two of his auxiliary bishops: His Grace Atenágoras, Vicar of the Caribbean, and His Grace Timoteo, Vicar of Colombia. Around the altar stood the tireless clergy from Guatemala—Archim. Mihail, Archim. Alexios, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Blas, and Dn. Elías—whose steadfast ministry is propelling the growth of Orthodoxy in Central America. Several visiting clergy and monastics were present as well, including Igoumeni Inés, abbess of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity in Amatitlán, Guatemala, along with her monastic community and their attending priest, Fr. Simeón of Colombia. The Mission Center was represented by Fr. John Chakos, Board member and field leader for Guatemala.
During this vibrant community gathering, the spiritual choir of hierarchs, priests, and monastics found its perfect harmony in the fervent prayers of the faithful of Guatemala and Southern Mexico. Among the ~3500 in attendance were representatives from every local parish – many of whom traveled through the night from remote villages to take part in this historic ceremony. Thus, Christ’s humble flock came together in unity and resounding joy to welcome their new shepherd that God has appointed from among their own fold.
Reflecting on the event, Fr. John Chakos remarked: “The elevation of a humble Mayan priest to the rank of bishop gives the long-suffering faithful Orthodox of Guatemala a servant, who incarnates in his person the struggles and joys of the world from which they come. As their bishop, His Grace Osios will be a faithful representative of his people, imaging the high priesthood of Christ as one of their own.”
Over more than a decade, the Mission Center has sent six long-term missionaries to serve in the Metropolis of Mexico and has supported a wide range of strategic projects in education, healthcare, and construction. May the Lord bless the arch-pastoral ministry of His Eminence Santiago, Metropolitan of Mexico, who is a key partner with the Orthodox Christian Mission Center; and may He also grant many years to His Grace Osios of Sasima, whose loving oversight and work with the clergy of Guatemala will nurture the Church for generations to come.
