He has lost 65 pounds and gained an additional honor, and it has nothing to do with law enforcement. But, it has something to do with his life's work: service.

Monsignor R. Donald Kiernan, pastor of St. Jude's Church in Sandy Springs has been named Archimandrite of the Melkite Diocese of Newton. The announcement was made by Monsignor William Haddad of the Melkite Parish in Atlanta. The honor was given to Monsignor Kiernan by Melkite Archbishop Joseph Tawil, "In recognition of his service over many years to the Melkite Community in Atlanta." It carries the title of Right Reverend Archimandrite.

Archbishop Tawil will preside at the Investiture during a special ceremony to take place in Atlanta in late February.

Monsignor Kiernan came to Georgia in 1949 from his native state of Massachusetts. He grew up in Taunton, a city south of Boston. After serving in the Cathedral in Savannah, he came to the Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Atlanta, where many of his apostolates began.

It was here he made his first contact with the Melkite Community and assisted the infant Melkite Parish in its beginnings. The young Father William Haddad, a Lebanese priest, was assisted by Monsignor Kiernan, as he started his parish of St. John's from the Immaculate Conception location. St. John's parishioners remember well that Father Haddad's first attempts at sermons in English had more than a touch of the Boston brogue.

It was during this time also that Monsignor Kiernan began his work with law enforcement. The Atlanta police department claimed that the Immaculate Conception rectory was unofficially counted as an extra precinct on their roster. Monsignor Kiernan became a cop.

He has been involved in this work ever since. Thanks to his efforts, the Georgia Association of Police Chiefs came into being, which resulted in many educational programs opening to rural and urban police departments. His influences extended to the State Patrol of which he is now one of those chaplains holding the title 'captain'.

His service, extended to those who enforce the law and also to those who break it, has been most profound over the years. Many working day hours -- and nights -- have been spent in the in the shadow of bars, counseling the offender and pleading for those deprived of a voice.

In recognition of his efforts, Monsignor has been appointed to the prestigious Crime Commission of the governor. Both with advice and funds the Commission oversees the constant updating of police departments, policies and programs in the State of Georgia.

His association with civic groups entails a list too long to mention. The Church in Georgia, in so many areas, is well-known and respected because of his service given tirelessly. For many years, we must hasten to add, he most successfully served as editor and columnist for The Georgia Bulletin. He was honored as a Domestic Prelate by Pope Paul in 1969.

When you find yourself accidentally exceeding the speed limit and sirens scream and a blue light appears in the mirror, you better pull over. It may be the long arm of the law. However, it may be the sanctimonious warning of 101C -- the top cop of the Church in Atlanta.

He is our newly-honored Right Reverend Archimandrite -- Monsignor R. Donald Kiernan. Ten Four.