Русская
Версия
July
15, 2011
Woodbourne,
NY:
Metropolitan
Hilarion
led
the
patronal
feast
day
at
NORR
summer
camp
On
Monday the 11th and Tuesday the 12th of July, on the feast day of
the Holy Leaders of the Apostles Sts. Peter and Paul, the First
Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion,
Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, visited the summer camp
NORR (Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia) in the
Catskill Mountains of the state of New York.
Metropolitan Hilarion led the All-Night Vigil and Liturgy in the
camp chapel, consecrated in honor of the Holy Apostles Peter and
Paul. His Eminence was co-served by Archpriest Alexei Ohotin
(rector of Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY) and Priest
Alexandre Antchoutine (rector of Holy Virgin Intercession Church in
Glen Cove, NY), with Protodeacons Joseph Jarostchuk (cleric of St.
John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY), Dimitri Temidis
(cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY) and Sergei
Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in
Nanuet, NY). The choir sang beautifully under the direction of the
leader of the Senior Girls, Anisia Temidis.
After
the Vigil, Metropolitan Hilarion held a private discussion with the
older youth, answering their various questions. The youth always
looks forward to these talks, and is always happy that they take
place in the absence of their scout leaders.
The festive Liturgy started quite early in camp: the greeting of the
Metropolitan was at 7:30 AM. During Sixth Hour, His Eminence
tonsured Alexei Pnev a reader. Almost without exception, all of the
campers, leadership, and visitors partook of Christ’s Holy
Mysteries. In his homily, Vladyka noted that the life of the Holy
Apostle Peter shows us an example of denying Christ and then
returning to Him, and reminded us that it is through repentance and
confession that we all "return" to Christ. His Eminence also
commented on this wonderful way to celebrate the feast day,
surrounded by pristine nature.
In honor of the holy feast on this hot summer day, camp classes were
cancelled, and after a general photograph was taken, the campers
were very happy to go swimming in the pool. His Eminence did not
rush to leave and stayed in camp for half the day.
That afternoon, Metropolitan Hilarion bade the camp farewell.
Program Director Alexander Stepanoff thanked him for his care for
the camp and for finding the time in his busy schedule to visit.
Media
Office of the Eastern American Diocese
