On December 16, 2006, Fr. Donald J. Sawyer was elevated to the rank of Periodeut, with the title of Reverend Monsignor, by His Excellency, Bishop Robert J. Shaheen. This honor is a recognition of Fr. Don’s achievements as the founding pastor of Our Lady’s Maronite Parish, but more importantly, this rank is a sign of a life given to Christ and his Church, of the radical sacrifice of self to serve God and His people. We, the parishioners of Our Lady’s, thank Fr. Don for his faithfulness to God’s call and wish him all the best on this special occasion. May God grant him grace and fortitude to continue to faithfully carry out his earthly mission.
You can watch the video of the liturgical service here at Vineyard of the Lord.
Acolytes
Visiting Clergy
Bishop Gregory Aymond
Bishop Robert Shaheen
Msgr. Don, Bishop Aymond, Bishop Shaheen
Incensation
Receiving the Gifts
Eucharistic Prayer
Ordination to Periodeut 1
Ordination to Periodeut 2
Ordination to Periodeut 3
Ordination to Periodeut 4
Final Picture
History of the word "Periodeut"
The Syriac word, “periodeut” is generally translated as "visitator". Historically, the bishop was in a major city and needed help in "visiting" rural parishes. He ordained periodeuts to assist in that duty and they became his representatives in the countryside.
Periodeut is a dignity of the priesthood; he remains a priest (he is not a bishop) but has the right to certain episcopal insignia (crosier/staff, for example). This rank does not exist in the Latin Church. What is confusing a little is that he then carries the title of "monsignor" which simply means "My Lord" and is a common form of address in Europe (and in Lebanon) for a bishop.
Periodeut is now principally an honor bestowed upon a priest who has demonstrated good administrative and pastoral care of a parish(es).
Deacon Louis Peters
Eparchial Office of Religious Education
