WHO: St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church
WHAT: Consecration
WHEN: Friday, May 7 & Saturday, May 8, 2010
WHERE: St. Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church
5108 Kuykendall Road
Charlotte, NC 28270
The consecration of an Orthodox Christian church building is a ceremony that occurs only once when a new church is dedicated for sacred use.
During the Consecration Service at Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church of Charlotte, relics of Christian Martyrs will be sealed in a compartment inside the altar table. The holy relics will be brought by Metropolitan Alexios of Atlanta and arrive in Charlotte on Friday, May 7 at approximately 6 p.m.
The Consecration service begins Saturday at 9 a.m. during which the congregation will process around the perimeter of the church.
Saint Nektarios Greek Orthodox Church in south Charlotte was built in a traditional Byzantine style, inspired by the sixth century church of Hagia Sophia in Constantinople (Istanbul, Turkey).
The nave is located beneath the 70-foot-high central dome, which features the inspiring 25-foot icon of Christ, painted by celebrated Byzantine iconographer Tom Clark.
CONSECRATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS MAY 7-9
Friday, May 7
6:00 pm Arrival of the Relics
Procession to the Sanctuary
Welcome ceremony
Entry into the Sanctuary
Great Vespers with Artoclasia-Blessing of the Loaves
Hierarchical Address to the Parish
Reception
Saturday, May 8
8:00 a.m. Matins, Orthros
9:00 a.m. Consecration
Procession
Entry into the Sanctuary
Washing of the altar
Placing of the relics
Dressing of the altar
Anointing of the Icons
10:30 am Divine Liturgy
12:30 pm - Festivities on the Plaza
Complimentary luncheon
Greek/American music featuring The Fabulous Grecian Keys
Children's Fun Center
Mid-afternoon entertainment
Mid-afternoon "Coffee House"
6:00 pm Great Vespers
