Route to Rita (2)

I was ordained in Mississippi and, prior to that, also attended an AEOM pastors’ conference there. I love Mississippi! It’s a very pretty state.

My cousin, a native of Texas, now lives in Madison. The Antiochians have a parish there, St Peter, and about a month ago I emailed the priest, Fr John Henderson — a wonderful man, and told him of our upcoming visit. He wrote back that that was also their annual episcopal visit from Bishop BASIL!

We didn’t make it for Vespers but, in the midst of moving to Texas, had the pleasure of a Hierarchical Liturgy in the pretty town of Madison, Mississippi. It was very nice. St Peter Church is beautiful and worth a visit if you are in the area. The community is very friendly and welcoming. It was also a blessing to see so many Camp St Thekla alumni!

That evening, my cousin took us to dinner at “Cock of the Walk.” This restaurant (sort of like “Uncle Bud’s” in other parts of the South) only serves Catfish and/or Chicken … with all the fixins. It sits on the shore of a lake and the staff wear costumes fitting the great river boating days of Mississippi. Meals are served on pie tins with tin cups and pitchers. Way cool and very good.

After feasting on marinated onions, fried pickles, greens, and cole slaw … they brought out the catfish, chicken, fries & puppies. My son said, “But Dad, we just ate dinner! Why are we eating two dinners?”

Then, at no extra charge, if you time your visit just right, you can kill at least 5 million love bugs on your way home.

More later …