This issue's header photo was taken on Easter Sunday at Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Kīlauea, Kaua'i, where longtime church families, the Sproats and Hanchetts (Bishop Lani Hanchett), pose with the traditional flowered cross in front of the church. During this continuing Easter season, we share more photos of Easter crosses from around the Diocese under the Island Happenings section further below. (Photo from Christ Memorial newsletter) | | |
Fourth Sunday of Easter
O God, whose Son Jesus is the good shepherd of your people: Grant that when we hear his voice we may know him who calls us each by name, and follow where he leads; who, with you and the Holy Spirit, lives and reigns, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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FEATURE STORIES
Chrism Mass & Spring Training: Sanctity & Discernment
Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Leadership Retreat in Seattle: “Let It Not Happen Again”
REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:
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Bishop's Corner - A Reflection on Discernment, A Special Palm Sunday Visitation; Lots of Lava & Love: Visitation on Hawai'i Island; Typhoon Sinlaku Updates
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Bishop Search & Transition - Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greets begin today!
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Kahuaola - Earth Day 2026: Green Caucus Celebrates Episcopal Church Action on Climate Change; Kahuaola Welcomes the Rev. Christopher Golding
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Island Happenings - At The Cathedral: The Cathedral's Expanding Deaf Ministry; Easter Crosses Around the Diocese
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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:
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Special Meeting of Convention to Elect the Sixth Bishop - Reminder: Bishop's Special letter
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St. Elizabeth's Welcomes New Priest! - The Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers
- Applications Open for Episcopal Church 2026-2027 Edicational Scholarships
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Coming Up at Camp Mokulēʻia - Summer Camp Open House rescheduled for this Sunday!
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Coming Up: O'ahu Highlight - Special Choral Evensong Honoring The Rev. Canon Haaheo Guanson; See what's happening around the Diocese!
| | A Reflection on Discernment | | |
My dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,
I am walking with the Diocese of Taiwan as our siblings there are looking to elect their Bishop the week before we do so in our own Diocese. I have been asked to say something at the start of their electing meeting about discernment.
With Ke Aloha Kākou Candidate Meet & Greet gatherings underway, I have been pondering the request from Taiwan for us. What is discernment? What does it mean for those of us voting in the election on May 16?
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Discern the will of God in our context. In the situation of the calling of the next bishop, we must first learn about our own congregation, our own immediate community, and our own island. What are things like right now? Who lives around me? What are the stresses in my life and the lives of my neighbors? What will life be like around me five years from now? We then ask what is reality in my broader community (Micronesia, the state of Hawaiʻi, and the United States) and Church (the Episcopal Church and the Diocese) right now. How does this Diocese fit with the mission of God in Asia and Oceania? We have the advantage of a wonderful Diocesan Profile 2025 to help us reflect on the life of our Diocese and our context. I hope everyone has read the Profile and will do so again before you meet the candidates, and then again before the election. Dare I say, pray the Profile.
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Seek the wisdom of the community. Those of you attending Ke Aloha Kākou Candidate Meet & Greet gatherings can bring back what you learn to your congregation. Encourage everyone in your congregation (and even non-members) to look at the material of each of the three candidates on the Diocesan Website Transitions Page. Yes, again, make sure everyone has seen the Diocesan Profile 2025. Talk story with one another about your congregation and the Diocese. What is God’s will for us now? Listen to the kūpuna. This isn’t politicking for a particular individual. We don’t have political meetings. It is listening for the voice of God coming through the voices of others.
READ FULL REFLECTION
| | A Special Palm Sunday Visitation "On the Square" | The Bishop was busy navigating Queen Emma Square on Palm Sunday, where he led the early service at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Honolulu during his final Visitation with them. Sharing a bit of trivia about St. Peter's history, Velma Lee, the Senior Warden, said that the church's first Sunday service was held on Palm Sunday 100 years ago! Pictured above, the Bishop celebrates at St. Peter's along with their Priest-in-Charge, the Rev. Ruth Peterson. During the service, Maiesha Stovall-Nakoa was commissioned as a Stephen Minister Leader. Maiesha, who often volunteers to help at diocesan events, completed her pastoral training to help others in her congregation and community. (Contributed photos) | | |
After the service at St. Peter's, the Bishop walked over to Queen Emma Square for a joint Palm Sunday service with folks from the Cathedral of St. Andrew, St. Paul's, and St. Peter's. Located in the heart of downtown Honolulu, the three churches, along with St. Andrew's Schools, are all located steps from each other, forming a wonderful collab, where they join hearts and hands "on the Square" for special occasions and activities.
| | Lots of Lava & Love: Visitation on Hawai'i Island | | On Sunday, April 19, the Bishop headed to Hawai'i Island where he visited with the good folks of St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Ocean View. Their location atop a barren lava field on the dry southern portion of the island, has minimal infrastructure with many residents living "off the grid." But as their name implies, it has incredible ocean views and breathtaking sunsets. The congregation of St. Jude's also has a lot of love to share with their community, becoming a hub for outreach with showers, meals, mobile medical services, free wifi and more! They rely solely on visiting and supply clergy. Pictured at right is the Bishop at the altar with visiting prest, the Rev. Celine Burke at left, and Buddy Sherfield at right assisting. (Contributed photo) | | | |
Super Typhoon Sinlaku Impacts Guam & Saipan: Prayers & Donations Needed
In case you missed the Special Announcement that went out on April 16, about Typhoon Sinlaku and the damage inflicted on our sisters and brothers in Guam and Saipan, click HERE to read it now. More updates will be coming soon.
| | | | | Be sure to stay informed with the Bishop's latest messages by clicking on the button shown. All video messages also appear on the Dioceseʻs YouTube Channel and Facebook page. | | Chrism Mass & Spring Training: Sanctity & Discernment | | |
The Diocese's annual Chrism Mass and Spring Training event took place on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew in Honolulu. This year's event was especially poignant as it is the last one with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick celebrating and hosting as Bishop Diocesan. Even the theme, "A Time of Discernment," is connected to the upcoming election for the Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Hawai'i taking place in May.
READ FULL ARTICLE HERE (Contains full videos of guest speakers at Spring Training)
| | | Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Leadership Retreat in Seattle: “Let It Not Happen Again” | The Rev. Keleawe Hee and his wife Faye attended the Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) conference in the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia April 14-17, 2026. Hosted by the Asiamerica Ministries Network/The Episcopal Church, Episcopalians of Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander heritage gathered in prayer and vigil in solidarity with immigrants in detention centers. | |
"It was a pilgrimage of the people's stories in the area," shared Keleawe. "The group visited Bainbridge Island, where the first Japanese Americans were taken away for internment. Then we visited the Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park where we learned that the Chinese railroad workers who finished the transcontinental railway were taken away as they were not allowed to live there. Other stories were shared so they are not forgotten."
On the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia's Facebook page, they shared a reel of the service held at Christ Episcopal Church Tacoma where over 5,000 paper cranes from across the Church carried prayers and hope to this gathering. Click HERE to view it.
(Photos from the AANHPI & Diocese of Olympia Facebook pages)
| | WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE | | Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities. | | |
Meeting the Candidates for Bishop:
Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greets Begin Today
The Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greet events begin today, starting with Kaua'i, and followed by Maui, O'ahu, Guam/Saipan (online only) and Hawai'i Island. While the deadline for in-person registration has passed, you may still sign up to receive the link(s) and instructions to attend any of the gatherings virtually. (No "day of" registering.) Don't miss this opportunity to engage with the candidates for our next bishop.
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Click HERE for more information about the dates and times of each gathering, or click on the register button shown to receive the link(s) for virtual attendance. If you have any questions about the Search and related activities, please contact Alofa Carpenter through this link HERE.
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Member churches are encouraged to hold follow‑up conversations—virtually or in person—after the Ke Aloha Kākou Meet‑and‑Greet sessions. These gatherings help clergy and lay delegates hear directly from their congregations about their reflections on the bishop candidates.
If you haven't already done so, please be sure to learn more about each candidate on their informational webpages that contain a bio, resume, video introduction, and answers to essay questions. Click on the buttons below to go directly to their pages.
| | BISHOP'S SPECIAL LETTER - If you haven't already done so, please be sure to read the Bishop's Special Letter that went out on March 26, 2026, that contains a wealth of advice, information and wisdom, as we prepare to elect a new bishop. Click HERE to read it now. | |
St. Elizabeth's Wecomes New Priest!
St. Elizabeth's Episcopal Church in Honolulu welcomes the Rev. Katie Nakamura Rengers as their priest beginning on Sunday, June 14, 2026. Katie comes from the Diocese of Alabama, where she has served in a wide range of ministry contexts, most recently as the Presiding Bishop's Staff Officer for Church Planting.
Katie's husband, the Rev. Josiah Rengers, will be following in July as he begins his work as a chaplain at Punahou School. They have two daughters, Naomi (13) and Katherine (almost 10), and beloved pets. Please welcome the Nakamura Rengers family to the Diocese of Hawai'i, and keep them in your prayers as they prepare for their move to the islands!
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Applications Open for Episcopal Church 2026-2027 Educational Scholarships
Applications are being accepted for a variety of educational scholarships from The Episcopal Church for the 2026–2027 academic year. The deadline to apply online (HERE) is Friday, May 15. All applicants must be Episcopalians. This year the following scholarships are available:
- Ten $10,000 scholarships for applicants of African descent studying for ministry in The Episcopal Church
- Eight $5,000 scholarships for applicants of Indigenous descent
- Four $5,000 scholarships for applicants of Asian and Pacific Island descent studying theology
- Seven $5,000 scholarships for applicants of Hispanic descent studying at an accredited Episcopal seminary
Fully completed applications will receive priority. Scholarship funds will be given to the schools designated by the applicants.
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Coming Up at Camp Mokulē'ia!
The Summer Camp Open House has been rescheduled for this Sunday!
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Contact Camp Mokulēʻia if you have questions:
(808) 637-6241
| | | | APPEAL FOR CAR DONATION - Several years ago, a friend of the Camp donated a car to use for multiple needs (i.e. emergency vehicle during the summer for the nurse, running camp errands, vehicle for site staff to get around the island on their time off, etc.). This vehicle has been essential for us. Unfortunately, the transmission is going out and will cost more to replace than the car is now worth. If anyone has leads about a reliable car we could use, please contact Darrell Whitaker HERE. Mahalo! | | The Rev. Canon Andrew J. Arakawa, Canon for Ministry Formation, takes a break this issue! | | Earth Day 2026: Green Caucus Celebrates Episcopal Church Action on Climate Change | | |
On Earth Day 2026, the Green Caucus celebrates the actions the Episcopal Church has taken over 50 years to preserve and protect God’s creation. Creation care intersects with Episcopal Church concerns for global security, migration justice, and racial equity, and offers new possibilities for evangelism. We urge church leadership to further prioritize our sacred responsibility to love all our neighbors as ourselves through Caring for Creation. READ MORE
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Kahuaola Welcomes the Rev. Christopher Golding
The Diocese's Environmental Justice and Creation Care Task Force was formed in June 2021 from a larger appeal by The Episcopal Church to address our world's environmental crisis. (It was later renamed Kahuaola, Guardians of Life, in January 2025.) The Rev. Jenn Latham and the Rev. Bree Lloyd accepted the challenge to lead the task force, working alongside other volunteers from around the Diocese to raise awareness and take action in our communities. They started this regular series in the Chronicle, sharing news, tips, activities and opportunities related to creation care. After five years of dedicated service leading this ministry, Jenn and Bree have turned over the reigns to the Rev. Christopher Golding, but will continue to support him and this ministry. We give thanks and praise for their years of hard work and welcome Christopher! If you would like to learn more or take part in this important ministry, visit the Kahuaola webpage HERE or send an email to Christopher through this link HERE.
| | The Rev. Christopher Golding | | | | |
ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS:
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
- Full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector - St. Christoper's Episcopal Church, Kailua, O'ahu
- Part-time Vicar - Grace Episcopal Church, Ho'olehua, Moloka'i
LAY POSITION OPENINGS:
(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)
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Part-time Church Office Administrator - Lutheran Church of Honolulu, O'ahu (Note: The Episcopal Church and ELCA are in a relationship of full communion.)
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Ke Aloha Kākou Candidate Meet-and-Greets: April 23-26, all islands! More info HERE.
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Choral Evensong Honoring The Rev. Canon Haaheo Guanson: May 3 - The Cathedral of St Andrew - View announcement HERE.
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SPECIAL MEETING OF CONVENTION TO ELECT THE 6TH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I: Saturday, May 16 - 'Iolani School More info HERE.
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Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.
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AT THE CATHEDRAL...
The Cathedral's Expanding Deaf Ministry
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Beginning on Easter Sunday, The Cathedral of St. Andrew hosted an Easter celebration with Deaf and hearing impaired people in American Sign Language (ASL). The Rev. Dr. Bill Heran was the celebrant (pictured here). For some time now, the Cathedral has been having services interpreted in ASL with the help of Becs Cooper as the dedicated interpreter.
Bill has been involved in Deaf ministry since 1980. He worked for the Roman Catholic Church here in Hawai'i in 1985, establishing access to the Deaf community in the Church. The Episcopal Church in the U.S. has a long history of providing services to the Deaf community, starting with the Rev. Thomas Gallaudet (1787-1851), an Episcopal priest and a pioneer of Deaf education in America.
Please support the building and growth of the Deaf ministry in the Diocese. If you know someone who is Deaf, or a congregant who has a Deaf member of their family, please let them know about the service. Our next ASL Mass will be on Sunday, May 3, at 12:15 p.m. It will also be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. (Contributed photos)
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YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED!
In support of Pacific Health Ministry hospital chaplains and child life specialists, and in honor of Prince Albert during the season of Easter, we will have a Sunday Calabash open for offerings toward the purchase of 25 copies each of 2 particular children's books: The Invisible String and My Journey with the Wind. These 2 books are used at our local hospitals to help children and young people navigate grief and sadness.
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SEEKING BAPTISM, CONFIRMATION, RECEPTION OR REAFFIRMATION?
The next opportunity at the Cathedral will be on Pentecost Sunday, May 24, 2026! Contact the Office (office@cathedralhawaii.org) for more details. We ask that all requests be received by the Office by May 1, 2026.
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EASTER CROSSES AROUND THE DIOCESE
We share photos of the different crosses and beautiful flowers at churches around the Diocese on Easter. Do you recognize any?
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COMING UP!
Reminder: The Hawaiian Church Chronicle goes out on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. For inclusion in this "COMING UP!" section, churches should submit event graphics to diocesan Communications HERE by the Monday before release date.
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O'ahu Highlight:
Special Choral Evensong Honoring The Rev. Canon Haaheo Guanson
SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2026, 5:30 P.M.
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i welcomes all to attend a special Choral Evensong in honor of the late Rev. Canon Haaheo Guanson, whose contributions to the Diocese and the State of Hawai'i have been immeasurable as a priest, educator, and activist for justice and reform. Join us on Sunday, May 3, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of St. Andrew, 229 Queen Emma Square in Honolulu. Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick will be the officiant and preacher. In lieu of lei, there will be a calabash for offering to support the Waiolaihui'ia Center for Ministry, the local formation program, of which Canon Haaheo was a graduate and also the Dean.
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THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Hālau Waʻa, 91-1122 Kamahana Loop, Kapolei, O'ahu
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THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu
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CHOCOLATE EXTRAVAGANZA ONLINE AUCTION ENDS APRIL 25 AT 6:00 PM!
Click HERE to place your bid!
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THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 25
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu
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THIS SUNDAY, APRIL 26
St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Hawai'i Island
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SATURDAY, MAY 2
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu
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SATURDAY, MAY 2
Holy Nativity, 5286 Kalanianaole Hwy, Honolulu, O'ahu
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BEGINNING JUNE 13
Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu
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JUNE 19 & 20
St. John's, 8992 Kula Hwy. Kula, Maui
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NEW TIME! ONGOING SUNDAYS
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu
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SEEKING YOUR INPUT FOR FUTURE SPEAKER SERIES ON O'AHU
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu
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ONGOING 1ST SUNDAYS
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu
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ONGOING WEDNESDAYS
St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu
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ONGOING THURSDAYS
St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Hawai'i
| | The Episcopal Church & Beyond... | | |
MORE HEADLINE LINKS FROM
THE EPISCOPAL NEWS SERVICE:
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Rio Grande church more than doubles its congregation after expanding its mission
[April 21, 2026] In Las Cruces, New Mexico, a city that’s more than 60% Latino, only a few Protestant churches offer Spanish-language worship services. When in December St. James Episcopal Church began engaging in Latino outreach, its attendance went from 70 to over 150 members, including pledging families with small children. READ MORE
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Reminders (Previously Announced)
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St. Christopher's Episcopal Church in Kailua is receiving names for a full-time Priest-in-Charge/Rector. Interested persons can visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information and to download the church profile. The deadline for receiving names is Thursday, April 30, 2026.
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Ho'imi Pono Training for your Congregation! Ready to schedule Anti-Racism training for your church leadership, clergy, vestry, and Bishop's Committee? Contact Mary Carpenter HERE or call 808-221-4367
| | Do you have a question? Contact us at (808) 536-7776: | | |
BISHOP (meeting with): Nani (ext. 302)
Annual Meeting: Rae (ext. 326)
Archives: Rae (ext. 326)
Budget/Finance: Jasmi (ext. 307)
Communications/News/Website: Sybil
Congregational Membership: Sandy (ext. 309)
TECH Portfolio/Investments: Jasmi (ext. 307)
Hiring/Human Resources: Rae (ext. 326)
Monthly Statement: Cammy (ext. 306)
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Ordination/Licensed Ministries: Nani (ext. 302)
Payroll: Jasmi (ext. 307)
Property (Contracts, Insurance, Agreements): Rae (ext. 326)
Safe Church: Nani (ext. 302)
Stewardship: Sandy (ext. 309)
Supply/Visiting Clergy: Nani (ext. 302)
Worship/Sacraments: Sandy (ext. 309)
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Don't forget to visit our FORMS & DOCUMENTS page on the Diocesan website HERE.
| | Catch up on articles you may have missed below! | |
Contact Information
The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i
229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813
(808) 536-7776
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