The Primates Council – April, 2026

On April 14th, 2026 at the Cathedral Church of Reconciliation in Forest Hill MD, The Primates Council kicked off. Our new Patriarch, Archbishop Chuck Jones, began the morning mass with a sermon teaching on Acts. He spoke on how Paul and Silas were able to sing to the Lord at midnight, songs of praise and spiritual hymns. This encouraged every bishop present to draw closer to the Lord and submit to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

During the three days of this event, Father Jimmy House and Bishop Rob Northwood also gave sermons preaching on God’s faithfulness, and the faith we can have if we trust Him and believe even when we can’t find it possible in our own eyes. On the first day, Dr. Don Davis and Bob Engle, who are head over a ministry called Christ the King. They were so touched by the Patriarch’s word in the first morning mass and felt so strongly for the CEC and its future. They brought encouragement and wisdom with passion and clarity. 

Wednesday Night was a healing service which started with praise and then after the Patriarch gave a short word on the lame man getting healed by the gate called Beautiful, he asked all of the bishops to come up and pray for those present. The final day, April 16th, held some more presentations from the bishops with updates from each of their ministries and finished with a prayer and a group photo, (shown above).

An Archdeacon Appointed

An Archdeacon Appointed

Bishop Northwood has appointed an Archdeacon, which is a role of recognition as well as a mark of honor. The role has been appointed to Deacon Larry Rieger of Saint Michael’s and All Angels Church, Virginia. He is being recognized for his dedicated service to his church, to his Diocese and previously, his district. He has served since it’s formation, on the Bishop’s Council as well as on the board of his local parish. He has been faithful in trivial tasks and matter of great import. Deacon Rieger has graciously accepted his new role and will be publicly installed in the Spring of 2022. The role is both a great honor and a great responsibility as our diocese has in mind a vision for further establishing the Kingdom of God in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C., and Delaware. This is no small undertaking and the Archdeacon will be pivotal in this regard. Thank you Deacon Larry from the people of the Diocese of the Mid Atlantic for your continued service.

Deacon Rieger is the resident Deacon and parish administrator for Saint Michael and All Angels. He is a graduate of a Benedictine college (Belmont Abbey).  Separate from a secular bachelors and masters education, the Deacon also holds a Masters of Theology from Kings College, has completed his coursework at Saint Michael’s Seminary of the CEC. He was ordained to the ancient and apostolic order of the Diaconate on 24 June, 2017.

Deacon Rieger had a successful secular career, starting as an Infantry Officer in the 82d Airborne Division. He remained in the reserves both in the US and overseas before he transferred to the retired reserves as a Major. He served the Army as a civilian for 36 years before retiring in 2015 to pursue full time ministry work.