Before the icon
V. To be with God,
R. with the people on your heart
V. A Christian soul given to prayer
R. A life hid with Christ in God
V. to give my life for those I love
R. From an inner core of silence
A reading
Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. Keep on doing the things that you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, and the God of peace will be with you. (Philippians 4:8-9)
A collect
Shepherd of your people, we thank you for your servants, Paul, Cornelius, Richard, Jesse and Mary who were faithful in the care and nurture of your flock; and we pray that, following their example and rejoicing in their holiness of life, we may by your grace grow into the stature of the fullness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
Blessed Paul, Cornelius, Richard, Jesse and Mary, with the people on your hearts, pray for us.
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A comment about Faithful Pastors
These five priests were formed in and expressed the best of the Anglo-Catholic traditon in their parish ministries and social engagement. Each tended a flock of people they loved. Each worked for justice and a better country.
Fr. Robert selected these five in a different manner from the other icons. He knew four of them personally. Cornelius Hill’s life inspired Robert though he was of another time. We give thanks for the church’s many faithful pastors.
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Father Paul Washington
May 26, 1921 – October 7, 2002
Feast Day October 7
From 1962 to 1987 Paul Washington was rector of the Church of the Advocate in North Philadelphia. He provided leadership and support for the Black Power Movement, the ordination of women, and affordable housing in the neighborhood of the parish.
African Americans and the Struggle for Justice
Other Sheep Have I - Autobiography
Father Cornelius Hill
(November 13, 1834 – January 25, 1907) or Onangwatgo (“Big Medicine”) last of the old Oneida chiefs
Feast day June 27 (date of his ordination as a deacon)
A champion of Native rights, especially concerning the retention of tribal lands and the allowance of the Oneida to continue to reside in their ancient homeland. As a young man, Hill spent several years at Nashotah House, where the Episcopal priests educated him and formed him in the faith, worship, and tradition of the Church
Cornelius Hill, Priest and Chief among the Oneida
Father Richard Downing
July 27, 1944 - February 10, 2021
Feast Day February 10
Father Downing served St. James, Capital Hill from 1976 - 2008. He ministered to the sick and dying during the AIDS pandemic. An advocate for the rights of LGBTQ Americans in the church and society. He loved to celebrate a daily mass. In the last years as rector he lead the parish to merge and become the Parish of St. Monica and St. James.
1990 WP article regarding those killed in the city
Father Jesse Anderson, Sr.
Feast Day June 7 - date of ordination as a priest
Father Anderson was the 14th rector of the African Episcopal Church of Saint Thomas from 1944-1975. He was a priest with a wide variety of interests who served his parish, diocese, and city. He gave himself to issues of civil rights and education for Black people. He was persistent, courageous and wise in his ministry. He was ordained a priest on Trinity Sunday, 1936 in the Cathedral of St. John the Divine
Parish webpage on Fr. Anderson
Mother Mary Laney
b. July 12, 1941 d. November 19, 2012.
Feast Day November 19
Vicar of St. Gabriel's, Olney for 15 years until retiring in 2005. Bishop Allen Bartlett, who ordained her said, "She was one of the first priests I ordained and one of the best … a woman of courage, enthusiasm, and quick humor. She was lively… She always stood for inclusion and responding to the needs of those on the margins." Mary was one of the founding members of the Order of the Ascension. She took the Promise in 1988 at the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at GTS.
Blight fight is latest battle for Episcopal priest
Mary E. Laney, Episcopal priest in city
A sermon on Mother Mary’s work at 29.30
Blessing of the icon - at 16:05.
Icon writer: Suzanne Schleck Web