Oakerhater Sunday, 2026 at St. Paul's

Author:
August 10, 2026

Oakerhater Sunday at St. Paul's
Sunday, August 30 | One Combined Service at 10:30 a.m.

Each year, St. Paul's Episcopal Cathedral gathers to celebrate one of the most meaningful days in the life of our parish: the Feast of Saint David Pendleton Oakerhater.
Oakerhater, a Cheyenne warrior who became the first Indigenous person ordained as a deacon in The Episcopal Church, remains a powerful witness to reconciliation, faithful discipleship, and the transforming grace of Christ. His story is deeply rooted in Oklahoma history, and St. Paul's is honored to be one of the Episcopal Church's principal centers for remembering and celebrating his life and ministry.
We invite you to join us for this special morning of worship, learning, and fellowship.

One Combined Service at 10:30 a.m.
On Oakerhater Sunday, the Cathedral family will gather for one service only at 10:30 a.m.
Our celebration begins outdoors in the East Garden with the Prayer to the Four Directions, before processing into the Cathedral for Holy Eucharist. Through prayer, music, Scripture, and the Eucharist, we give thanks for the life and witness of Saint David Pendleton Oakerhater and celebrate the rich gifts Indigenous peoples continue to bring to the Church.
Following the service, everyone is invited to Dean Willey Hall for a festive reception.

Special Formation Hour | 9:00 a.m.
Before worship, join us for a special formation presentation led by our guest preacher, The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals, from 9:00–10:00 a.m.
Canon Royals will explore Indigenous spirituality, the enduring legacy of Saint David Pendleton Oakerhater, and the wisdom and gifts Indigenous traditions continue to offer the Church today. Whether you have attended Oakerhater Sunday for many years or will be experiencing it for the first time, this conversation will provide meaningful context for the day's celebration.

Meet Our Guest Preacher
The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals
We are honored to welcome The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals as our guest preacher for Oakerhater Sunday.
A member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Tucson, Arizona, Canon Royals is an Episcopal priest, retreat leader, educator, and author whose ministry has long focused on Indigenous leadership, spiritual formation, reconciliation, and healing.
She previously served as Canon for Native American Ministry in the Diocese of Arizona and currently leads the development of Four Winds, a new Indigenous Episcopal worshiping community. For ten years, she directed the Indigenous Theological Training Institute, partnering with Indigenous theologians from across North America to amplify Native voices, theology, and lived experience through published journals and educational resources.
Canon Royals has devoted her ministry to supporting Indigenous communities through healing from historical trauma, preserving language and cultural identity, strengthening Indigenous leadership within the Church, and creating sacred spaces where Episcopal faith and Indigenous traditions are honored together. Her work continues to build bridges across cultures and generations while proclaiming the Gospel with hope and compassion.

Join Us
Whether you've celebrated Oakerhater Sunday for years or are experiencing it for the first time, we hope you'll be part of this extraordinary day in the life of St. Paul's.
Sunday, August 30
9:00 a.m. – Special Formation with The Rev. Canon Debbie Royals
10:30 a.m. – One Combined Service beginning in the East Garden with the Prayer to the Four Directions
Following Worship – Reception in Dean Willey Hall
Come celebrate the life and witness of Saint David Pendleton Oakerhater as we give thanks for a faith that calls us toward reconciliation, hospitality, and the beloved community.

 

BACK