Fr. Don Sawyer’s Elevation to Periodeut

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.

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

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

Read the December 2006 issue of Messenger
for more information on Msgr. Don and the event.