Русская Версия

November 2, 2009
Howell, NJ: Bishop George led the divine services in St. George's Church

On Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, His Grace, Bishop George of Mayfield, led the divine services in St. George's Church. His Grace came to New Jersey in anticipation of the upcoming Diocesan Council meeting (to take place in New York) and celebration of Metropolitan Hilarion's namesday. On Saturday morning, Vladyka prayed in the altar during the Divine Liturgy for the feast of Evangelist Luke. Upon completion of the Liturgy, a panihida was served for the murdered Brother Jose (Joseph) Munoz-Cortes, guardian of the Montreal Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, on the occasion of the anniversary of his brutal murder in Athens, and for his spiritual father, Archbishop Leonty (Filippovich) of Chile. That evening, His Grace was greeted to the peal of bells, thereupon commencing service of the All-Night Vigil in commemmoration of St. John of Kronstadt.

On Sunday morning, the greeting of Bishop George took place at 9:30 AM. Parish girls threw flowers at Vladyka's feet, while the warden gave a warm welcoming speech. Co-serving with His Grace were rector Archpriest Serge Lukianov, Archpriest Victor Tseshkovsky, Priest Jonah Campbell, and Deacon Leonid Roschko. Upon completion of the Liturgy, Fr. Serge presented His Grace with a marvelous wooden cross and panagia on behalf of the parish. After the service, a luncheon was held in the Cossack hall next-door, during which Fr. Serge presented a unique montage of photos of the historic visit of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God to Russia, sharing his memories of that wondrous trip.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese