April 9, 2026

This issue's header photo was taken on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during the Cathedral's Easter Vigil and joint regional service. Pictured above alongside the Bishop from left are Spencer Tolley and Gabriela Gundermann Graham who were confirmed, Jamuna Jeanette and Kisa Matlin were baptised, and Cheryl Chang was received. Her husband Kalei is next to her. Standing behind them are the Rev. Ruth Peterson of St. Peter's who was there in support of Gabriela, and Cathedral Dean Heather Patton-Graham for the others. More photos of the Bishop's final Easter at the Cathedral are in the Bishop's Corner further below. (Photo from the Cathedral Facebook page)

Second Sunday of Easter

Almighty and everlasting God, who in the Paschal mystery established the new covenant of reconciliation: Grant that all who have been reborn into the fellowship of Christ's Body may show forth in their lives what they profess by their faith; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

IN THIS ISSUE:

REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:

Bishop's Corner - Message for Easter Week, Easter Service at the Cathedral
Bishop Search & Transition - Bishop Candidate Essays, Registration Deadline coming up for Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greets
Growing in Grace - Victory Through the Cross: Rethinking Leadership as Growing in Grace
Kahuaola - Earth Day is April 22!
Na Leo o Na 'Oiwi - Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole
Island Happenings - Easter at the Cathedral

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:

Special Meeting of Convention to Elect the Sixth Bishop - Updates & Reminders
Special Choral Evensong Honoring The Rev. Canon Haaheo Guanson
Camp Mokulēʻia Important Updates - Diocesan Youth Retreat CANCELLED
Coming Up: O'ahu Highlight - See what's happening around the Diocese!

THE BISHOP'S CORNER

An Easter Week Message from the Bishop

Thursday in Easter Week, 2026

Love's redeeming work is done,

fought the fight, the battle won.

Death in vain forbids him rise;

Christ has opened paradise.

Lives again our glorious King;

where, O death, is now thy sting?

Once he died our souls to save,

where thy victory, O grave?

Soar we now where Christ has led,

following out exalted Head;

made like him, like him we rise,

ours the cross, the grave, the skies.

My dear Siblings in Christ Jesus,

Aleluia. Ua ala hou ‘o Kristo!

I have my alarm primed to go off during the Easter season with the words of Charles Wesley (1707-1788) being sung to the tune Savannah (Hymn 188 in The Hymnal 1982). They best express my feelings this Easter: “Love's redeeming work is done, fought the fight, the battle won. Death in vain forbids him rise; Christ has opened paradise.”

During days of war in the world and economic tensions at home, we need as the followers of Christ Jesus, to be reminded that in times of division and death that love is lived out – in fact, love has already triumphed. Wesley’s hymns offer a theology of lived experience and vital love. The starting point is God's love — love is God's nature, not merely an attribute. The resurrection is therefore not primarily a demonstration of power, nor a vindication of a legal transaction, but the completion of an act of love. The battle language of this hymn — "fought the fight, the battle won" — is drawn from the “Christ Victorius” tradition of the Church (the notion in Paul’s letters about struggle and victory), but Wesley immediately subordinates it to the framework of love. The fight was love's fight. The victory is love's victory.

"Christ has opened paradise" is both personal assurance and social proclamation: the one who opens paradise for the penitent thief — the outcast, the condemned, the one with nothing — is the same one who leads us to follow him in that direction before leading us upward. The resurrection doesn't cancel the cross; it vindicates it. Any community that sings "ours the cross" is committing itself to the way of the cross before it lays claim to the way of the skies. It is a community that is committing itself to love, justice, and peace.

The words of the hymn remind me that God’s love is present now. I am free from exchanging hateful words for hateful words, anger for anger, blow for blow. Because of Easter, I have been set free from anxiety and anger. I am free to love.

I pray your Easter season is a blessing!

Ua ala hou nō ho‘i ka Haku. Aleluia!

+Bob

Collect for Thursday in Easter Week:

Pictured above is the Bishop at the Cathedral this Easter, his final as Bishop Diocesan.

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.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

Visit the Diocese's Calendar page HERE for Diocesan events & activities.

Bishop Candidate Essays Posted

Three questions were presented to each of the candidates for our next bishop. The questions asked about their spiritual autobiography, vision and strategies for the Diocese, and what "aloha" means to them personally. Candidate responses are now posted on their individual pages on the diocesan website. We ask that everyone take the time to read their essays that were thoughtfully prepared. Click on the buttons below to go to their individual webpages.

The Rev. Canon Andrew J. Arakawa

The Rev. Elizabeth "Libby" Berman

The Rev. Timothy J. Yanni

Deadline to register is April 16!

Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greets

All in the Diocese are encouraged to attend the Ke Aloha Kākou Meet & Greets in person or online, to meet the slate of candidates for our next Bishop. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with them at different sites around the Diocese, April 23 - 26. You may attend any event in person or participate from home through livestreams and/or Zoom.

REGISTER BY APRIL 16! Whether you are planning to attend in person or online, everyone needs to register by Thursday, April 16. The churches hosting the events need an accurate headcount, and those participating online will need to receive the link. Click HERE for more information about the events, or click on the register button shown above to sign up now! If you have any questions about the Search and related activities, please contact Alofa Carpenter through this link HERE.

LODGING AT ALA MOANA HOTEL - Voting Clergy and delegates to Convention should already be receiving regular emails from Rae Costa with reminders and updates regarding the Special Convention. The latest notice concerns lodging at the Ala Moana Hotel for neighbor island clergy and certain delegates who meet the criteria. Please be sure to book your reservation by Monday, April 13 for the discounted group room rate. Reservations can be made after this date, but are not guaranteed the group rate. For more information, view the dropdown LODGING link on the Search webpage HERE.

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.

BE SURE TO REGISTER! Voting clergy and lay delegates: Click on the button to register now! If you have any questions about the Special Meeting of Convention, contact Rae Costa by email HERE or call (808) 536-7776, ext. 326. For more information and to keep informed about the search and transition process to elect our next bishop, visit the diocesan website HERE.

Special Choral Evensong Honoring The Rev. Canon Haaheo Guanson

The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i welcomes all to attend a special Choral Evensong in honor of the 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.

Important Updates for Upcoming Events

Diocesan Youth Retreat Cancelled

With another storm system currently impacting the Hawaiian Islands, this weekend's Diocesan Youth Retreat has been cancelled. We are still planning to hold the Summer Camp Open House on Sunday, April 12, with tours running from 2:00-4:00 p.m., weather pending. Coming up:

Contact Camp Mokulēʻia if you have questions or concerns: (808) 637-6241

Victory Through the Cross:

Rethinking Leadership as Growing in Grace

By the Rev. Canon Andrew J. Arakawa, Canon for Ministry Formation

I love that the motto for our diocese is He Lanakila Ma Ke Keʻa, Victory through the Cross. I especially appreciate the word “through.” It reminds us that our lives as followers of Jesus are always cruciform, shaped by his self-giving love. Our identity, our relationships, our use of power, and our hopes all take their form from his dying and rising.

I found myself returning to our diocesan motto as I read Nicole Massie Martin’s book Nailing It: Why Successful Leadership Demands Suffering & Surrender. I highly recommend the book. It is a relatively quick read, yet it offers much to consider as we reflect on how we form leaders in our communities.

Martin’s central metaphor of “nailing it” invites us to crucify the very habits that often define institutional life: power, ego, speed, performance, perfection, loyalty, and scale. This is especially important in our diocese, which is shaped by a multilayered and nuanced cultural landscape. READ MORE

Earth Day is April 22!

This year, Earth Day is celebrated on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. Episcopalians are invited to commemorate it on Sunday, April 26 or any Sunday this spring by praying, preaching, and taking action to care for God’s creation. For Earth Day Liturgy, curriculum, and activities for all ages, visit the Episcopal Church's Creation Care webpage HERE of visit the official Earth Day website HERE..

Introducing a new monthly column from Na Leo o Na 'Oiwi (formerly Maka 'Ala i ka Lāhui), the Diocese's Native Hawaiian Ministry, who will be sharing information about our Aliʻi. With Prince Kuhio Day recently observed, members decided to begin with him and have shared a short bio and the Collect for his Feast Day.

Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana'ole

Born at Kōloa, Kaua‘i in 1871 on March 26th, Kūhiō was the youngest of three sons born to high chief David Kahalepouli Pi‘ikoi, the grandson of Kaumuali‘i, the ali‘i nui who ceded the sovereignty of Kaua‘i without bloodshed to Kamehameha I in 1810, and Kinoiki Kekaulike, a descendant of Maui chiefs Kekaulike and Pi‘ilani. After the death of his parents, Kūhiō and his brothers were cared for by King Kalākaua, his cousin, and Queen Kapi‘olani, his aunt. He and his brothers were declared princes by a royal decree in 1884 and he was trained to take over the monarchy, but those plans ended with the overthrow of the Hawaiian monarchy in 1893. READ MORE

OPPORTUNITIES

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.)

Part-time Church Office Administrator - Lutheran Church of Honolulu, O'ahu (Note: The Episcopal Church and ELCA are in a relationship of full communion.)

CANCELLED Diocesan Youth Retreat: April 10-12 - Camp Mokulēʻia
Camp Mokulēʻia Summer Camp Open House: Sunday, April 12 (weather pending)
Ke Aloha Kākou Candidate Meet-and-Greets: April 23-26, all islands! More info HERE.
Choral Evensong Honoring The Rev. Canon Haaheo Guanson: May 3 - The Cathedral of St Andrew - View announcement HERE.
SPECIAL MEETING OF CONVENTION TO ELECT THE 6TH BISHOP OF THE DIOCESE OF HAWAI'I: Saturday, May 16 - 'Iolani School More info HERE.

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

Visit the Diocese's Community Calendar page HERE for ongoing activities in your neighborhood.

EASTER AT THE CATHEDRAL...

Sacred, still, somber, and joyful moments during Holy Week and Easter at The Cathedral of St. Andrew.

The Cathedral of St. Andrew: 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, HI 96813

www.cathedralhawaii.org

COMING UP!

THIS SATURDAY, APRIL 11

St. Michael & All Angels, 4364 Hardy St., Lihue, Kaua'i

SATURDAY, APRIL 25

Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu

Does your church have an event or activity you'd like to share here? Send your graphics to Communications HERE.

ONGOING FIRST SUNDAYS

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu

ONGOING WEDNESDAYS

St. Clement's, 1515 Wilder Avenue, Honolulu, O'ahu

ONGOING THURSDAYS

St. Augustine's, 54-3801 Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapa'au, Hawai'i Island

COMING THIS SUMMER!

Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu

The Episcopal Church & Beyond...

Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe’s Easter message

[April 4, 2026] Dear friends in Christ:

One of the paradoxical truths of our faith is that Easter morning begins with sorrow. In John’s telling of the Easter story, we can almost feel the panic and confusion of the disciples in the predawn hours when Mary Magdalene discovers that the tomb is empty. READ MORE

Reminders (Previously Announced)

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.

The next quarterly gathering of the Episcopal Church Women of the Diocese will take place on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at The Cathedral of St. Andrew's Von Holt Room. Check-in is at 8:30 a.m. and the day's activities will end at 1:45 p.m. The theme is "It is Well With My Soul" with keynote speaker the Rev. Canon Sandy Graham. There will be a workshop after lunch making Anglican Prayer beads, so be sure to RSVP Louise Aloy HERE to be sure there will be enough kits.

Storymakers Renewal Time - The Diocese of Hawai'i is eager to support children and teens as they grow in faith. The Diocese of Hawai'i has partnered with StoryMakers NYC to provide Sunday School materials to our congregations, and has purchased a subscription program on your behalf, so that your children’s programs can ease into 42 weeks of Bible Adventures. Contact Canon Sandy by email HERE to get the 50%-100% discount code! Visit their website HERE or scan the QR code in the image!

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

Required Safe Church Training - This is a reminder that Safe Church training is mandatory for all clergy, employees, vestry members, and most volunteers. Please read The Episcopal Diocese of Hawai‘i Safeguarding Policy and the Diocesan Safe Church Training Webpage. This training needs to be renewed every three years. Contact your church's Safe Church Administator or priest for more information, or if you have questions, email Nani Carroll.