Bishop Coming to Visit

**Jock Scot** · 17th June 21, 01:02 AM

Originally Posted by dcommini

Any other Sunday and I would

Purely out of interest, why is this particular Sunday different? Because the Boss is coming? Because it’s a special Christian day? Because you feel like a change of attire? Am I missing something?

**Father Bill** · 17th June 21, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Purely out of interest, why is this particular Sunday different? Because the Boss is coming? Because it’s a special Christian day? Because you feel like a change of attire? Am I missing something?

“The Boss” is one part of the description. It’s subtle. All of us who are priests, technically operate only as substitutes in our churches, during the Bishop’s absence from that church. It is ceremonially improper for a priest, for example, to ‘welcome’ a Bishop, since it is the Bishop’s church. We only express pleasure that the Bishop is able to be in attendance.

There are certain functions limited only to the Bishop - ordinations, blessings of oils and so on. The congregations tend to therefore come out to hear what is said - “from the horse’s mouth” if I may be crude. In the presence of that greater attendance, greater pomp and ceremony are also of interest to many, and as such many in the congregation will turn out to enjoy seeing those functions which are the Bishop’s prerogative, and in the process it does become, in some ways, a social event as well. It becomes much more than a supervisory walk-through.

Subtle differences, but I hope that helps to describe it.

**Jock Scot** · 17th June 21, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

“The Boss” is one part of the description. It’s subtle. All of us who are priests, technically operate only as substitutes in our churches, during the Bishop’s absence from that church. It is ceremonially improper for a priest, for example, to ‘welcome’ a Bishop, since it is the Bishop’s church. We only express pleasure that the Bishop is able to be in attendance.

There are certain functions limited only to the Bishop - ordinations, blessings of oils and so on. The congregations tend to therefore come out to hear what is said - “from the horse’s mouth” if I may be crude. In the presence of that greater attendance, greater pomp and ceremony are also of interest to many, and as such many in the congregation will turn out to enjoy seeing those functions which are the Bishop’s prerogative, and in the process it does become, in some ways, a social event as well. It becomes much more than a supervisory walk-through.

Subtle differences, but I hope that helps to describe it.

I had rather thought it was something along those lines Bill. Rather like the Commandant General of the Royal Marines popping along and inspecting the men and equipment.

**dcommini** · 17th June 21, 06:32 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Purely out of interest, why is this particular Sunday different? Because the Boss is coming? Because it’s a special Christian day? Because you feel like a change of attire? Am I missing something?

Along with what Father Bill said, this Sunday is also one of the major feasts celebrated by the Church, and I typically go kilted for those days.

**Jock Scot** · 17th June 21, 06:45 AM

Originally Posted by dcommini

Along with what Father Bill said, this Sunday is also one of the major feasts celebrated by the Church, and I typically go kilted for those days.

I quite understand that the Bishop is turning up and the fact that it is also a major Church feast, but why the kilt? Apparently you wear a suit on other Sundays. I am not criticising, but I am wondering.

**dcommini** · 18th June 21, 06:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

I quite understand that the Bishop is turning up and the fact that it is also a major Church feast, but why the kilt? Apparently you wear a suit on other Sundays. I am not criticising, but I am wondering.

I started wearing a kilt for Christmas and Easter, and then the other major feasts. I guess it just evolved. I could wear a suit, and I do most Sundays, but I don't feel like it.

**Steelkilt** · 26th June 21, 07:00 PM

Happy feast of Pentecost! Did you take a picture of the attire you selected?

**dcommini** · 26th June 21, 07:29 PM

Originally Posted by Steelkilt

Happy feast of Pentecost! Did you take a picture of the attire you selected?

I did not. Our priest who just retired has a thing against using phones in church (even for pictures) or while sitting and talking to others. One lady did ask for a picture of my face - she said I had a face that would be perfect for a portrait. And the rest of the day was just too busy to try to find time to take a picture of myself.

**Steelkilt** · 27th June 21, 10:37 AM

Did you wear your Great Kilt?

**Ninehostages** · 18th June 21, 06:03 AM

Originally Posted by dcommini

Along with what Father Bill said, this Sunday is also one of the major feasts celebrated by the Church, and I typically go kilted for those days.

Pentecost is celebrated as “Birthday of the Christian Church”. In the Western churches that follow the Gregorian calendar, it was back in late May. The Eastern tradition follows the Julian calendar and therefore Pentecost is this Sunday. June 20th is also the Summer Solstice for any of you pagans out there.