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July 19, 2011
Rocky Hill, NJ: Metropolitan Hilarion led the patronal feast day and deacon’s ordination in St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church

On Monday, July 18, on the feast of the Finding of the Relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh and the Repose of the Holy Nun-Martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara, St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Rocky Hill, NJ celebrated its patronal feast day. This year, the feast was graced by the archpastoral visit of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, as well as the visit of the myrrh-streaming icon of St. Anna.

His Eminence was co-served at the festal Liturgy by Archimandrite Athanasy (Mastalski; rector of the Church of Our Lady, "Joy of All Who Sorrow," in Philadelphia, PA), diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov, Archpriest James Parsells (rector of Sts. Peter & Paul OCA Church in Manville, NJ), rector Archpriest David Straut, Archpriest Zoran Radovic (rector of St. George’s Serbian Church in Elizabeth, NJ), Priest Victor Gorodenchuk (dean of St. Stephen’s OCA Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA), Priest Vadim Arefiev (rector of the Church of Our Lady the "Inexhaustible Chalice," in Brooklyn, NY), Priest John Parsells (rector of Christ the Savior OCA Church in Dagsboro, DE), and Priest Jonah Campbell and Deacon Leonid Roschko (clerics of St. George’s Church in Howell, NJ). Also praying in church during the Liturgy was Deacon George Zlatkowski (cleric of St. Stephen’s Cathedral).

Before the start of Liturgy, the Metropolitan tonsured Steven Barker and Peter Markevich readers, and then ordained a subdeacon. After the Eucharistic Canon, the ordination of Subdeacon Seraphim Komleski to the Diaconate was performed. The newly ordained Fr. Seraphim will fulfill his service at St. Elizabeth Church.

In his sermon, His Eminence spoke of the ascetic labors of the holy nun-martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara, and of the all-vanquishing power of their martyric sufferings, and called on the faithful to follow the virtuous and long-suffering example of these marvelous saints, who shined forth in spiritual beauty amidst terrible torments.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, a moleben was served to St. Sergius and St. Elizabeth, along with a procession around the church. In greeting the parish, Metropolitan Hilarion congratulated the rector, clerics, and parishioners on the occasion of their patronal feast day. The First Hierarch also addressed the newly ordained Deacon Seraphim, wishing him God’s almighty aid in his weighty service to Christ’s Holy Church in the calling of deacon. The rector then greeted the Metropolitan, thanking His Eminence for his archpastoral visit and fatherly love and care.

After the service, the parishioners and guests gathered in a local hall in historic Rocky Hill, where the sisterhood prepared a festal luncheon.

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