God grant you many years Sr. Petra!

Sr. Petra in center

On Feb. 1, during Vespers for the feast of the Meeting of Our Lord with Simeon and Anna, dokimos (postulant) Sara Lynn Gafford was tonsured as a rasophore ("robe-bearer") nun, receiving the habit and a new name: Sr. Petra. She is named after the apostle Peter. She was tonsured (four small segments of her hair were cut, in the sign of the cross) by Bishop Milan Lach, our apostolic administrator. Our founding bishop and bishop emeritus of our eparchy, Bishop John Kudrick, was also present. The tonsure took place at St. Stephen Byzantine Catholic Church in Euclid, Ohio.

We look forward to sharing more about the tonsure in the near future, including photos and Sr. Petra's reflection on her name. Please keep Sr. Petra in your prayers as she grows in the monastic life and continues her discernment (3-4 years leading to life profession).