This issue's header was taken at Convention 58's Opening Eucharist in St. Alban's Chapel, where clergy gathered for this final group shot with Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick. The Special Edition Convention Chronicle will be coming out late next week with full coverage of the three-day event. We've included a preview in the Feature Stories section further below. (Photo: S. Nishioka)

October 22, 2026

Season of Pentecost: Proper 25

Almighty and everlasting God, increase in us the gifts of faith, hope, and charity; and, that we may obtain what you promise, make us love what you command; 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:

FEATURE STORIES:

CONVENTION 58 PREVIEW: Aloha Abounds

REGULAR FEATURED SECTIONS:

Bishop's Corner - The Bishop's Address to the Convention; Joyful Farewell from Epiphany
Typhoon Champi Update
Growing in Grace - (A monthly feature)
Kahuaola: Meet the Kahuaola Leaders!
Island Happenings - O'AHU: In Support of Justice; HAWAI'I ISLAND: Expressing Aloha at Holy Apostles
The Episcopal Church & Beyond - News links from around the world

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING:

Bishop Ordination - Deadline for reception; Hotel deadline; Service RSVP stays open
Camp Mokulē'ia - Families Can Survive and Christmas Stay-Cay
Gierlach's Latest Book Now Available
Coming Up: HIGHLIGHT - Ordination of Hansu Park; See what's happening in your neighborhood and around the Diocese

THE BISHOP'S CORNER

The following is the text version of Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick's Address to the Convention given on Saturday, October 17, 2026:

The Bishop's Address to the Convention

Aloha kakahiaka.

Håfa Adai. Manana Si Yuʻos.

Good morning.

As your Bishop, I am a settler on this ʻāina, but I now call this very neighborhood of Mōʻiliʻili my home.

I can trace my family’s roots as settlers in North America through the modern states of Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Illinois, and before that, in the earliest years of the 18th century, to Ireland and Scotland.

I would like to begin by acknowledging that the ʻāina on which we gather today, mokupuni of Oʻahu, moku of Kona, ahupuaʻa of Waikīkī, and ʻili of Kamoku, is part of the larger territory recognized by Kānaka ʻŌiwi as their ancestral grandmother, Papahānaumoku.

I recognize that Her Majesty Queen Liliʻuokalani, a member of our Church, yielded the Hawaiian Kingdom and these territories to the United States, under duress and protest, to avoid the bloodshed of her people. I further recognize that Hawaiʻi remains an illegally occupied nation.

As Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawaiʻi, I honor and give thanks for the founding patrons of our Church, King Kamehameha IV and blessed Queen Emma. I acknowledge the trust they committed to our Church in 1862 to care for their people – Kānaka ʻŌiwi – and all of the children of these islands, and our responsibility to care for all of creation. As the Bishop of the Church invited to these islands, I deeply regret that we have not always fulfilled our responsibility over these many decades. We have too often failed and turned a blind eye to those around us. For those things that we as the Church and as individual Episcopalians have done and the many things we have left undone, that contributed to the harm inflicted on nā Kānaka ʻŌiwi and these islands, I offer our collective lamentation. I ask God’s forgiveness.

READ FULL ADDRESS HERE

Epiphany: A Joyful Farewell to Bishop Bob

Bishop Bob's official visitations are winding down to just a couple more. On Sunday, October 4, 2026, Epiphany Episcopal Church showered him with lots of love and gifts. Their rector, the Rev. Christopher Bridges, shared the following:

Epiphany Episcopal Church welcomed Bishop Bob Fitzpatrick for his final visitation. It was a wonderful day of worship, celebration, and fellowship as we gave thanks for his ministry and the care he has shown our parish through the years. During the service, Bishop Bob confirmed seven members of Epiphany and received the reaffirmation of baptismal vows from five members (pictured above). As is our tradition, each member that was confirmed received a Book of Common Prayer along with a confirmation certificate. These gifts mark this important step in their faith and encourage a continuing life of prayer and worship. We congratulate each of these members and give thanks for their place in our Epiphany ʻohana. Our gathering also gave us an opportunity to express our affection and gratitude to Bishop Bob as he approaches retirement. We presented him with farewell gifts, including Kauaʻi Coffee, which we know he loves! Along with an Epiphany Cup for this coffee. (Contributed photos)

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.

TYPHOON CHAMPI UPDATE: We are relieved to report that while Typhoon Champi did pass near Guam, the track went further south, and its speed helped lessen the potential for major damage. Michelle Untalan, Head of School of St. John's, reported that the school had a downed fence and some water damage. Teachers reported that they and their families were okay. She added "God is good. The island was spared. Thank you for the prayers."

100% of all donations go directly to relief efforts! (Credit card donations are less merchant processing fee.) Please also donate to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) HERE for worldwide relief.

FEATURE STORIES

CONVENTION 58 PREVIEW: Aloha Abounds

This past weekend's Convention 58 was one for the record books, simply because there was so much happening! This is the first convention in recent diocesan history that went to three days, was incoporating a bishop transition for the first time in nearly two decades, while keeping an eye out on a typhoon that was actively threatening our church and school in Guam, not to mention that the entire State of Hawai'i is still recovering from floods and hurricanes brought about by the super El Nino effect we are enduring.

Despite the challenges, early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and filled with adjectives like "beautiful, joyful, moving, great, spectacular, exceptional, well-organized, wonderful, purposeful, hilarious, touching, entertaining, delicious" and so on, and oh, one interjection: "Wow!"

It was also a very emotional time for many, as we prepare to bid Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick a final fond aloha, and a warm welcome to our Bishop-elect Libby Berman, in just three weeks.

The Special Edition Convention Chronicle is scheduled to be released late next week, with tons of photos and coverage of the five main events of this very special convention! In the meantime, we have posted a short 3-minute mash up of Friday and Saturday's events, on the homepage of our website, on Facebook, and YouTube. A separate clip of Sunday's beautiful Evensong with the induction of The Cathedral's new honorary canons is also linked there. For those requesting to view the video shown at the Farewell Reception on Friday, a link to the original complete video will be included in the Special Edition Chronicle next week!

Please keep the Diocesan Support Center staff, Transitions Committee, and faithful volunteers in your prayers, as they continue to work hard during this transitional time, while being sorely short-handed. We especially ask for prayers for Bishop Bob and Bishop-elect Libby and their spouses as they navigate an unchartered path, filled with both excitement and uncertainty.

For all attendees who have not yet responded to the feedback form that was emailed yesterday, please do, so that we may add to those colorful adjectives! Mahalo! (Photos: S. Nishioka)

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE DIOCESE

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

***RSVP for the Ke Kipa 'Ana Reception Ends Tonight!***

*Final Special Hotel Group Rate Ends October 25*

*RSVP for Ordination Service Remains Open*

If you are planning to attend the Ke Kipa 'Ana Reception following the service of Ordination and Consecration, the deadline to RSVP is tonight, October 22, at midnight!

The RSVP will remain open for those planning to attend the Service of Ordination & Consecration. Although the form currently shows that seats in the Cathedral are booked, there is a possibility of some openings on the day of the event, however, you must already be registered for seating in Tenney Theatre or St. Paul's to have access to those seats.

HOTEL GROUP RATE ENDS SOON! The deadline for the special group rate at the AC Hotel has passed, and the Executive Center group rate ends this Sunday, October 25. After this date, you will have to book your hotel at regular rates.

For information about this event and booking a hotel, visit the Ordination & Consecration webpage HERE. If you have any questions, email the Bishop Transition Administrative Assistant HERE.

DONATIONS WELCOMED - Thank you to all who have already donated to the Bishop's Vestment Fund that will help cover costs for a selection of gifts to be presented to the bishop-elect that include a stole, ring, chasuble, mitre, as well as the Ke Kipa ‘Ana Reception, flowers and decor. If you'd like to make a donation, click HERE (or scan the QR code shown). Any funds donated in excess of the value of the above will remain in the Bishops’ Vestment Fund.

Coming Up! Two Very Special Opportunities for Families

FAMILIES CAN SURVIVE

November 6-8, 2026

A weekend for families who have been affected by childhood cancer

CHRISTMAS STAY-CAY

December 11-13, 2026

A weekend getaway to Camp Mokulēʻia is the festive way to start the Christmas season!

Growing in Grace is a regular monthly feature by the Rev. Canon Andrew Arakawa, Dean of the Diocese's formation program, Waiolahui'ia Center for Ministry (WCM). Canon Andrew shares sage advice, reading recommendations, and reflections to help folks on their spiritual journey. New GIG articles appear in the Chronicle's first issue of each month. To read previous articles, go to the GIG page on the diocesan website HERE.

Meet the Kahuaola Leaders!

Kahuaola—Guardians of Life, is the Creation Care ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Hawai'i that was originally formed in June 2021 by co-conveners, the Rev. Jenn Latham and the Rev. Bree Lloyd. Their first post in the Chronicle appeared in the June 23, 2022 issue, then called the Environmental Justice & Creation Care Corner. In January 2025, the ministry was renamed Kahuaola: Guardians of Life. This past year, the Rev. Christopher Golding, Chaplain at Seabury Hall, took over the reigns as convener. We invite you to learn a bit more about Golding and Latham, who share a passion for this ministry of guardianship and care on the Kahuaola webpage HERE. If you’re passionate about creation stewardship and spirituality, please consider joining this small but creative ministry group, and contact Golding by email HERE.

Gierlach's Latest Book Now Available!

The Rev. David Gierlach shares his latest book called Christian Transformation: 12 Steps to Personal and Social Change. As the Co-founder and CEO of Providence Treatment and a fellow author, our own Father William Heran, shared the following review:

Father David captures the essence of what it means to be an authentic and fully alive Christian by using his in-depth knowledge of the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous. His thoughtful personal and spiritual reflections, along with contemporary, relatable testimonials, Scripture, and his knowledge of the powerful vehicle that has transformed thousands of women and men out of a life of addictive darkness into recovery for almost 100 years, is worth your time. Father David inspires us to live a life of authenticity, inner peace and meaningful connectedness with others and with God.

This book is now available on Amazon HERE.

OPPORTUNITIES

ORDAINED POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Part-time Vicar - Grace Episcopal Church, Ho'olehua, Moloka'i

LAY POSITION OPENINGS:

(Visit the Diocesan website HERE for more information.)

Part-time Director of Music - Trinity Episcopal By-the-Sea, Kihei, Maui

VETERAN'S DAY EVENSONG: November 11 - The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, O'ahu, Bishop Ann Ritonia of the Armed Services and Federal Ministries
CONSECRATION & ORDINATION OF THE SIXTH BISHOP OF HAWAI'I: November 14, 2026, The Cathedral of St. Andrew, Honolulu, O'ahu, with Ke Kipa ‘Ana Welcome Reception to follow
SPECIAL SERVICE IN LAHAINA: November 15, 2026, 9:00 AM, at the site of Holy Innocents Church, Celebrant Presiding Bishop Sean Rowe

ISLAND HAPPENINGS

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

AT THE CATHEDRAL...

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25: AT THE MOVIES

Our Series continues on October 25 at noon in the Von Holt room with Kathleen Norris, where we will watch Mr. Nobody Against Putin.

CATHEDRAL RUN CLUB

Meeting Monday's, 6:00 pm at Magic Island, Ala Moana Beach Park, next to the parking lot. For a good walk and talk and connect time! All are welcome!

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

www.cathedralhawaii.org

O'AHU: In Support of Justice

On Saturday, October 10, 2026, the Rev. David Gierlach, Vicar at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Kailua, organized a protest at the federal detention center in support of those who have been incarcerated by ICE. Gierlach, who is the convener for the diocese's Social Justice Task Force, has been an outspoken advocate and organizer in the community and shared the following about the interfaith gathering that made the news.

There were close to 40 clergy and lay people there to show solidarity with those who are incarcerated for nothing more than being undocumented. We thought it was important to go to the place where they are being held because we know the prisoners can see us through the windows. It’s also important to remind the general public how crucial it is to vote this November. The current situation in our country is horrific and the very people that our faith tells us to protect are being targeted on a daily basis. It was most inspiring to see the number of clergy and laity who turned out for this action.

Click HERE to watch the Hawaii News Now report about this event. (Contributed photo)

HAWAI'I ISLAND: Expressing Aloha at Holy Apostles

Church of the Holy Apostles in Hilo has been going through a transition of its own with the arrival of their new priest, the Rev. Caleb Collins. They celebrated their first Sunday together on October 11 with a big ALOOOOHA (WELCOME)! But "aloha" was also expressed in all of its forms on October 4, the Sunday before. It was a triple celebration as they said aloha (farewell) to the Rev. David Jackson who had been serving as their supply priest, while celebrating the aloha (love) of St. Francis in a beloved tradition where many "Episcopups" came forward for a blessing both "in fur" and in pictures. Adding to the day’s joy, Senior Warden Evette and the congregation surprised Deacon Alberta Buller with a special Deacon Appreciation Day, showing their aloha (gratitude) for her grace-filled ministry. The recognition was especially fitting on the Feast of St. Francis, who also served the church as a deacon. (Contributed photos)

COMING UP!

What's happening in your neighborhood?

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.

O'AHU HIGHLIGHT:

Ordination of Hansu Park

All are welcome to attend the ordination of Hansu Park who will be ordained into the transitional diaconate as he continues his path to the priesthood.

Wednesday, October 28, 2026,

10:00 AM

St. Luke's Episcopal Church

45 North Judd Street, Honolulu

THIS SATURDAY! OCTOBER 24

St. John the Divine, 911 North Marine Corps Drive, Tamuning, Guam

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29

Community Church of Honolulu, 2345 Nu'uanu Ave., Honolulu, O'ahu

(Fr. David Gierlach on the panel)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 30

All Saints', 4-1061 Kuhio Highway., Kapa'a, Kaua'i

THROUGH OCTOBER 31

St. Clement's School, 1515 Wilder Ave., Honolulu, O'ahu

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 31

St. Elizabeth's, 720 N. King St, Honolulu, O'ahu

NEW DATE! SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

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

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

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

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11

The Cathedral of St. Andrew, 229 Queen Emma Square, Honolulu, O'ahu

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14

St. John's, 8992 Kula Highway, Kula, Maui

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15

Site of Holy Innocents, 561 Front Street, Lahaina, Maui

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

Emmanuel, 780 Keolu Drive, Kailua, O'ahu

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24

Holy Apostles, 1407 Kapiolani St, Hilo, Hawai'i Island

SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5

St. James', 65-1237 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela

The Episcopal Church & Beyond...

Executive Council authorizes sale negotiations with potential buyer of church’s NYC headquarters

(10/19/26) The Episcopal Church has found a prospective buyer for its 12-story office building in New York, New York, and is finalizing a tentative plan to move out of the longtime church headquarters, based on sale negotiations authorized on Oct. 19 by Executive Council, the church’s governing body between General Conventions. READ MORE (Photo: Egan Millard, ENS)

Reminders (Previously Announced)

The United Thank Offering Board announces the opening of its 2027 annual grants process, with a focus on projects that seek to connect churches, dioceses, and provinces with the unique needs of their local communities. Applicants for this round are asked to observe three deadlines to complete the process: Dec. 4, Jan. 8, and Feb. 5. For more information and to apply, click HERE.

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.