December 3, 2004

In advance of the 63rd anniversary of the bombing of Pearl Harbor December 7, Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold visited St. George's Church, Pearl Harbor, on December 2 as part of his weeklong pastoral visit to the Diocese of Hawaii.

Praying a collect for peace and for those in the armed forces and singing the Navy hymn, Griswold participated in a short memorial prayer service to honor those who died on December 7, 1941, and for those who serve in wars today. Surrounded by two dozen of the church's preschool children and a few military parents, Griswold was clearly moved by his surroundings and the historical context. As leader of a church which speaks out against policies of war, Griswold said he found he was deeply mindful, looking into fresh faces of three-year olds and their vulnerable young parents, knowing that death and injury faces so many military families. Griswold thanked the small congregation for their ministry and hospitality. "You have my prayers always," he said. "I have a great sorrow and concern for you and your families."

St. George was built in 1956 as the Pearl Harbor Memorial of the Episcopal Church, launched with funds received from the offering of the General Convention of the Episcopal Church which met in Honolulu in 1955, the first time it had met outside the mainland United States. Hawaii gained statehood in 1959. Located on Navy land at the military base, the church serves families from all branches of the armed forces.

Episcopal News Service