On Wednesday, February 19th, Fr. Theophan was elevated to the rank of Archpriest at St. Seraphim Cathedral in Dallas, TX. In the OCA, this "award" is typical for a priest who has served for 15 years.  During the small entrance at the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Gerasim prayed: O Master, Lord Jesus Christ our God, Who hast graciously bestowed upon our race the Priesthood, and hast endued us with the grace of this gift and honor, and hast appointed us devout and able to order the members of the Priesthood and the other servitors of Thy Mysteries in lesser degrees: Do Thou Thyself now endue also with Thy grace, our brother and my son, the Priest Theophan, and adorn him with Thine integrity, that he may stand at the head of the Priests of Thy people, being a good example to those who are under him. Grant him to attain in goodness unto old age with devotion and propriety, and have mercy upon us all in that Thou art good. For Thou art the Bestower of wisdom, and all creation hymneth Thee unto ages of ages.