May 22, 2013
New York City: The Fifth Anniversary of Metropolitan Hilarion’s Enthronement was celebrated in Synod

Saturday, May 18, marked the fifth anniversary of the enthronement of His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad. That day, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, joined by Synodal and local clergy. His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Jerome, prayed in the altar. The Synodal Choir sang splendidly under the direction of Peter Fekula.

After dismissal, Archpriest Serafim Gan congratulated His Eminence on behalf of the clergymen, parishioners, and worshippers, wishing the Primate "God’s all-powerful, all-strengthening, and bountiful aid in leading the Russian Church Abroad, which was entrusted to you on the day of your enthronement as her First Hierarch, and all of her members, to the Chief Pastor Christ, Who even now fortifies you with the augmented joy of His Resurrection."

In his response, the Metropolitan noted that he does not feel alone in his service, that the prayers of others help him in his work, as do the tireless labors and devotion of the archpastors, pastors, monastics, and laity of the Holy Church, and expressed his profound gratitude to everyone who gathered to pray at the divine services. After the Liturgy, the cathedral sisterhood offered an abundant luncheon in the hall, during which the clergymen, cathedral warden Serge Yakushin, the sisterhood, and parishioners took turns congratulating His Eminence and wishing him many more fruitful years of service in good health.

Photos: Prince V.K. Galitzine
Article: www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws