Beloved siblings in Christ, Your Search Committee is grateful to all those who participated in the recent listening sessions. The stories you shared, hopes and dreams you offered, and challenges you identified will help us reflect your voice in the Diocesan Profile. If you…
A Collect for the Election of our Bishop
Creator God, whose Church lives beyond the walls of buildings and the boundaries of cities, we ask that you guide our work as the Episcopal Diocese of Southwestern Virginia moves together through a transition of leadership. We pray for patience in dialogue and wisdom in discernment, that the richness of our diverse voices, from farmland to small town, mountain to downtown, will all be valued and heard. We pray for the person who will be elected as our next Bishop, for Becky, Grant, Karin, and Paul, and for the people of this diocese, so that the work of spreading God’s love in southwestern Virginia and beyond will grow and flourish in the years to come.
In the name of your incarnate son we pray, Amen.
Welcome!
We are joyfully anticipating the Ordination and Consecration of Bishop-Elect Karin MacPhail on June 13, 2026 in Roanoke, Virginia. Please watch this page for announcements and information about the Registration Process, events, gifts for Bishop-Elect Karin, and more updates from the Transitions Committee. We invite all to continue in prayer during this season of transition for our Diocese, Bishop-Elect Karin and her family, our staff & leaders, and one another during this exciting season of transition.
Updates & News
Leadership Retreat – Christ Church, Roanoke
The Standing, Search, and Transition committees met for a leadership retreat at Christ Church, Roanoke this past Saturday.
An Announcement from the Search Committee – Diocesan Listening Sessions
The Search Committee is hosting Listening Sessions across the diocese on June 7th from 10:00 am-12:00 pm, both in-person and online. Your participation is vital in developing a Diocesan Profile that will be a reflection of who we are as the people of Southwestern…
Bishop Mark Farewell Gift – Deadline
This is a reminder that the deadline for donations to Bishop Mark and Martha Bourlakas’s farewell gift close on May 10th! Please click the link below or use the button on the Bishop Search and Election Page to donate! Bishop Mark and Martha Bourlakas…
Bishop Search and Transition Committees formed
The Standing Committee of the Diocese of Southwestern Virginia announces that it has invited the following individuals to serve on the Search Committee which will create a Diocesan Profile and present a slate of nominees to the Standing Committee for election, and has also named members…
Search and Transition Committees are being formed
To apply to be on a committee, fill out this application form.
An Announcement from Bishop Bourlakas
Bishop Bourlakas announced that he has been called to serve as the Assistant Bishop to the Diocese of Virginia. “Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ Jesus, our recent Diocesan Convention in January was an immense blessing pointing to the faith, commitment, and vitality of our mission…