June 21, 2013
Buffalo, NY: Metropolitan Hilarion led the Divine Services in Sts. Theodore Church

On Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th of June, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an Archpastoral visit to Buffalo, NY, and led the divine services in Sts. Theodore Church.

At the All-Night Vigil on Saturday evening, His Eminence was co-served by parish clerics: rector Priest Peter Jackson and Priest Peter Irfan, as well as Hierodeacon Tikhon (Gayfudinov; accompanying the Metropolitan). Upon completion of the Vigil, a reception for the distinguished guest was held in the parish hall’s tea room.

The following morning, Metropolitan Hilarion celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clerics. Also praying in the altar was Hieromonk James (Deschene; abbot of Christ the Savior Western Rite Monastery "Christminster" in Hamilton, ON, Canada). During the Little Entrance, His Eminence elevated Fr. Peter Jackson to the rank of archpriest. After the Eucharistic Canon, Subdeacon Andrew Hammond was ordained to the diaconate. The newly ordained Deacon Michael will fulfill his service at Sts Theodore Church.

Upon completion of the service, Head Sister Mary Joseph Keenan was awarded a diocesan Gramota for her outstanding work in the parish. Fr. Peter greeted the Metropolitan, thanking him for his visit and manifest Archpastoral love. A bountiful luncheon was then served in the parish hall.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese