A Presbytera's Prayer

                    “Presbytera.”

I turned around to see that it was P.B., a long time parishioner at the Greek Orthodox Church where my husband is serving as a parish priest.

In the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, where priests are allowed to be married, Presbytera is the title that is given to the presbyters’ wives. To parishioners, it is a sign of respect. It also shows trust and acceptance. It took me a while before I got used to people calling me this, instead of my real name.

I acknowledged P.B.’s greeting by turning around and giving her a peck on each cheek. It was then, that I saw the sad expression on her eyes. I asked her how she was and told her that I was sincerely glad to see her again. P.B. is a 75-year old Greek lady who was very involved in the church. She was always someone who could be relied on to help in the liturgical and social events. She is referred to as one of the founding members.

P. B. had tears in her eyes and did not know where to begin telling me about her concerns.
She assured me that although she had her aches and pains, she was physically “alright.” I asked other probing questions, in the hope that she would open up and tell me what was wrong. Suspiciously, she looked around to see if there were people who could hear our conversation. Seeing no one, she whispered that she was very concerned about her grandson who got himself into some problems. Coming from an ethnic background, P.B. 
is very much involved with her children and grandchildren’ s lives. She went on to tell me how he is trying to get his life back in order.  Still she felt so down and helpless.

            “Good morning, Presbytera,” another parishioner called.

Hurriedly, P.B. told me to move on, 

            “Let’s talk again later.”

I asked P.B. to give me the names of her family members, especially her grandson’s. I told her that I would include them in our prayers. 

Three months later, after church service, she came to me with a big smile. She gave me a tight hug and a peck on each cheek.

           

            “Thank you, Presbytera. Our prayers were answered!

 I did not do much, I told her. I simply listened to her. I gave her my time and assured her that I was going to pray for them.

Now I clearly understand my role as a Presbytera. P.B. and I... we felt that we connected.