Ordination to the Priesthood: The Rev. William Heran
(With excerpts from the Holy Nativity Banyan Tree Newsletter, September 4, 2025)

,September 11, 2025]  On Saturday, August 30, 2025, the Diocese of Hawai'i welcomed its newest priest who was ordained by Bishop Robert Fitzpatrick at the Cathedral of St. Andrew. The Rev. William "Bill" Heran was joined by family, friends and colleagues for this most special event. 

The liturgy included folks from Holy Nativity where he had been serving as a transitional deacon. The service included a flute solo by Kathy Otani (accompanied by Ina Young). David Callies and the Rev. Libby Berman, Rector of Holy Nativity, formally presented Heran to the Bishop, and Lila Johnson offered one of the readings. 

"We have been fortunate to have Bill with us at Holy Nativity for the last 18 months, first as an intern and then as a transitional deacon. Bill has moved on to serve our diocese as a priest on Queen Emma Square, where he will preach and celebrate on Sundays, offer a contemplative prayer series, and take on other duties requested by the Bishop and Dean of the Cathedral." - Banyan Tree E-news

The Holy Nativity 'ohana, with the Rev. Libby Berman at far right.

"I give thanks to God and God's people for my recent ordination," said Heran. "I have much gratitude for all those involved in the preparation and execution of the ordination liturgy. Also, I want to thank all those from the Cathedral for hosting the event and providing an ono reception! I look forward to sharing God's message as a priest and to be blessed by others in the Diocese of Hawai'i."

Congratulations Bill!

Heran is pictured above with the Very Rev. Heather Patton-Graham, Dean of the Cathedral, where he will be serving, flanked by the Rev. Cn Sandy Graham, Canon to the Bishop.

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Photos by Gabe Lau and the Rev. Peter Wallace