Thanks for the birthday greetings, David and prodromos (John). I appreciate it.
Yesterday a choir rehearsal in the parish hall was scheduled for 1 pm, an unusual time for a choir rehearsal, but we still needed to finish up practicing for the Vigil Service being served Tuesday night for the Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Anyway, when I arrived and sat down, Father Michael shut the lights out, and I said, "Father, what are you doing? We can't see!" Meanwhile, Matushka Elena was carrying out a cheesecake with a lighted candle on it from the kitchen. A beautiful surprise! "Happy Birthday" was sung and Father Michael intoned "Many Years!" for me, and then, before rehearsal began, I shared my birthday cheesecake and tea with Fr. Michael, Matushka, and my fellow choir members. A very nice start to a beautiful 63rd birthday!

Hypo (John)