Thomas Metzger, 15, of Peachtree City, will serve as “St. Nicholas Bishop,” also known as “Boy Bishop,” at the Cathedral of Christ the King in Sharpsburg during both the 8:30 and the 10 a.m. services on Sunday, Dec. 9. Bishop David Epps, who serves as the pastor of Christ the King and as the bishop of the Diocese of the Mid-South appointed Metzger. Epps will vacate the bishop’s chair to the “boy bishop.” Metzger will preach the sermon in both services and will be attired in the garments of the bishop.
Selecting Nicholas Bishops, or Boy Bishops, was once a popular tradition throughout Europe, from the tip of Italy to the Hebrides in Scotland and from Ireland to Hungary. The ceremony is a lesson in humility and recognition of the wisdom of youthful innocence.
It is a way of symbolically representing the teaching of Christ. The custom fits perfectly with the Advent themes of turning the tables and oversetting expectations.
The appointment of Boy Bishops honors the feast of St. Nicholas of Myra, patron of children, who is traditionally remembered as having a special, personal concern for the safety and well-being of children.
Though Queen Elizabeth I ended the custom in England, it survived on the Continent until 1799. In modern times, churches have begun to revive the custom, especially in English cathedrals and parishes.
The first Boy Bishop at Christ the King was John Paul Landon (now a soldier in the United States Army) in 2008. Thomas Metzger was the second, serving in 2009 while Kyle Benson (now a student at Covenant College) was appointed in 2010. There was no boy bishop in 2011. This will be Metzger’s second appointment as the boy bishop.
Metzger is a home-school student and is the oldest of three sons of Richard and Sallie Metzger.
