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Русская Версия

November 7, 2010
Newark, NJ: Bishop Jerome celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Our Lady of Kazan Church

nwrk1.jpg (65707 bytes)On the eve of the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the Holy Myrrhbearers Diocesan Women’s Choir joined their spiritual father, Archpriest Mark Burachek , in celebration of his parish’s patronal feast, by singing the All-Night Vigil in Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ. Under the direction of choir director Eugenia Temidis, the choir sang the festal sticheras in Slavonic and English. Of particular note were liturgical works by Allemanov, Dinev, Yaichkov, Ossorguine, and Sofronov.

On the very day of the feast, before the beginning of Divine Liturgy, parishioners and guests triumphally greeted the visiting Hawaiian-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. The Diving Liturgy was celebrated by His Grace Jerome, Bishop of Manhattan, co-served by local clergy.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, His Grace addressed worshippers with an archpastoral sermon, saying:

nwrk2.jpg (40639 bytes)"We are experiencing the golden days of autumn, despite the poor weather: for the gold of the days is in their spiritual content. Yesterday, we celebrated the namesday of our First Hierarch, Metropolitan Hilarion, and that same day also marked the anniversary of the accession to the throne of the last (hitherto) Russian emperor, the Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II, the Passion-Bearer. And today we celebrate, in addition to the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles St. Abercius of Hieropolis and the Seven Holy Youths of Ephesus, the liberation of Moscow from the invasion of foreign powers by the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos, through Her wonder-working Kazan Icon.

"Here we must take time to consider the significance of Orthodox monarchy. Yes, in America and elsewhere they preach the separation of Church and state, and in Russia some consider this to be universal principle. In truth, however, Orthodox monarchy does not rob anyone of his freedom of conscience, but rather preserves the Church from attacks from enemies. Living here in the West, we have come to take our Orthodox Church for granted, thinking that God’s church stands on its own and will remain standing, and that we can attend or not attend, participate in church life or put it off until later.

"However, even if we do not always remember the significance of the Orthodox faith, Satan understands its significance for him full well, and so is constantly trying to destroy it. So it was from the very beginning of Christianity: at first through the persecutions of the pagans, then through heresies and schisms, which continue all the time. But perhaps the most significant fact is this: having split themselves from the Church, schismatics cannot unite into some "Counter-Church:" they are defined not by that which they love, but by that which they hate; and this points to the work of Satan.

"But the most dangerous thing for us is not some external persecution, or even heresy and schism, but apathy and indifference. When those who hate us persecute us, or preach lies, then we all understand that war is being waged against us. But if we fall away from the Church, the spiritual danger is all the greater.

"And so, with warm prayer let us entreat the Most Holy Theotokos, that she might not leave us without her heavenly protection!"

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese