I wrote this press release today. Prester John asked me to post it here. Any of you gents and your families would be welcome to join us. Be sure to introduce yourselves!

Kizmet

Holy Assumption Orthodox Church in Canton, Ohio, is hosting its second annual Kirkin’ O’the Tartans on November 30, 2006.

Why is a church affiliated with Eastern Europe having a service for a Scottish cloth?

“St. Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and of Russia, Greece, and the Ukraine,” said Father John Peck, rector of Holy Assumption Orthodox Church. “That puts us in unity right there.”

The first Kirkin’ O’the Tartans was started by an American, Reverend Peter Marshall, who was the chaplain to the U.S. Senate. The service was first done during World War II, based on the old Scottish tradition of bringing tartans to the “kirk” or church to be blessed on St. Andrew’s feast day. “Blessing of the family’s tartan was seen as a renewal of family’s covenant with God,” Father John said.

The Orthodox prayer service, called a molieben service, is focused on praise and thanksgiving. Any item may be blessed, Father John said. “We like tartans because the Cross is woven directly into the fabric. A cloth made of Christian symbols should be blessed by the Orthodox Church.”

There are several members of the Holy Assumption Church who are of Irish or Scottish descent. There will be men wearing kilts at the service, according to Father John.

Piper Joseph Peck, a member of the Akron and District Pipe Band, will be playing the bagpipes before and after the service. He played at the Louisville Constitution Festival Balloon Lift-Off Day and at the Malvern Great Festival this year.

The prayer service is open to the public and starts at 7:00 p.m. Holy Assumption Church is located at 2027 Eighteenth Street NE, Canton. Coffee will be served afterwards.