Loading...On Saturday, March 9th the Very Rev. Mark A. Bourlakas, Dean of Christ Church Cathedral in Louisville was elected to become the 6th Bishop of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia. Pending the required consents, he will be consecrated on July 20 at the Roanoke Performing Arts Theatre in Roanoke, Virginia.
A strong candidate from the first ballot round, he received enough votes in the third round of voting to win the election with 55 votes in the clergy order and 84 votes in the lay order. An election required 38 votes in the clergy order and 73 votes in the lay order.
Upon his election, Bishop-elect Bourlakas said to those in the Diocese of Kentucky, “It is with a joyous, yet heavy heart that I let you know that I have been called by the people of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia to be their next bishop. It is certainly my years of ministry with all of you that have prepared me for this responsibility in our great Church.” He continued, “We have been blessed by all your prayers and good wishes, by the faith and trust of the people of Southwestern Virginia, and the other nominees that we have come to know. I look forward to Easter and a time for us to celebrate our seven years of mission and ministry together in this blessed Cathedral.”
Bishop Terry White spoke with joy at the announcement. "This is a great day for the Church!" With excitement for his future brother bishop, Bishop White also reflected on the ministry Dean Mark has contributed over the years. "Bishop-elect Bourlakas has contributed much to the mission of our cathedral and diocese. Mark and Martha, Hannah, Sarah, and Elizabeth will be greatly missed."
Under the canons (111.11.4) of the Episcopal Church, a majority of bishops exercising jurisdiction and diocesan standing committees must consent to the bishop-elect’s ordination as bishop within 120 days of receiving notice of the election.
The other nominees were the Rev. David Cox (Southwestern Virginia), The Rev. A. Jeanne Finan (Western North Carolina), the Rev. Gail Greenwell (Kansas),the Rt. Rev. David Rice (Anglican Diocese of Waiapu).
