August 13, 2012
Wayne, WV: The Feast of St. Panteleimon at Holy Cross Monastery

On Wednesday the 8th and Thursday the 9th of August, the brethren of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV celebrated its annual minor patronal feast of the Holy Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon.

On Wednesday evening, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of Mayfield led the All-Night Vigil, co-served by the monastery’s deputy abbot, Abbot Seraphim (Voepel), Archpriest John Dixon (rector of Holy Spirit Church in Huntington, WV), Priest Mark Elliott (rector of St. George's Greek Church in Huntington), Priest Michael Furry (rector of St. Innocent of Alaska Mission in Roanoke, VA), and monastery clergy. After the Polyeleos and Magnification to St. Panteleimon, an akathist to the saint was sung by the entire assembly of around 90 clergy, monastics, and pilgrims. After the Vigil, Reader Theophan was made a novice. A festal reception was then held in the monastery refectory.

On Thursday morning, the Lesser Blessing of Water was performed before the greeting of the Bishop. His Grace celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy. Over 70 clergy and faithful communed of the Holy Mysteries. His Grace delivered a homily on the martyrdom and wondrous miracles of St. Panteleimon, and encouraged all those present to follow the example of the saint in their daily life through piety and courage.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, a moleben was served to the healing saint for the sick and the suffering, and a great number of names collected over the course of the last month through the monastery’s newsletter and website were read by the clergy. After Liturgy, everyone assembled for a group photo and then enjoyed a festal meal, lovingly prepared by local friends of the monastery.

Photos by Monk Anthony (Marquette)

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese