Jon Paul Landon, 17-year-old East Coweta High School junior, recently served as “Boy Bishop” at Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church in Sharpsburg. The observance is an ancient tradition which was once popular throughout Europe. The ceremony is a lesson in humility and recognition of the wisdom of youthful innocence.

Landon presided at the Sunday service — except for the absolution and celebrating communion — and preached a brief sermon he had written himself.

Fr. Jonathan Landon, an active-duty U.S. Army chaplain and archdeacon-designate for the Archdiocese of the Armed Forces, served as bishop’s chaplain for the Boy Bishop, and Fr. Dan Hale served as his crucifer. The Boy Bishop was preceded in the processional by six children serving as “flag bearers.”

The appointment of Boy Bishops honors the feast of St. Nicholas of Myra, patron of children, who is traditionally remembered as having a special, personal concern for the safety and well-being of children.

Though Queen Elizabeth I ended the custom in England, it survived on the continent until 1799. In modern times, churches have begun to revive the custom, especially in English cathedrals and parishes.

“As far as we know,” said David Epps, pastor at Christ the King, “Christ the King Church is the first CEC parish to observe this ancient tradition.”

Landon is a Junior at East Coweta High School in Sharpsburg where he is active in the Marine Corps Junior ROTC.

He also is active in Venture Scouts, and in CIA (Christians in Action), the youth group at Christ the King Church.

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