November 16, 2013
Atlanta, GA: Archbishop Justinian of Naro-Fominsk leads Patronal Feast Day in Joy of All Who Sorrow Church

At the invitation of the rector of the Church of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in Atlanta, GA, and with the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, the Administrator the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archbishop Justinian of Naro-Fominsk, led that parish’s patronal feast day.

As reported by the official site of the Patriarchal Parishes, Archbishop Justinian led the All-Night Vigil on Saturday, November 9, in Joy of All Who Sorrow Church, followed by the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, November 10. His Eminence was co-served by Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov; cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City, accompanying the Archbishop), parish rector Priest Eugene Antonov, parish Deacon Anton Kouznetsov, and Deacon Mark Rashkov (cleric of the Patriarchal Cathedral). At Metropolitan Hilarion’s request, Archbishop Justinian performed the reader’s tonsure of parish acolyte and renowned Russian composer and pianist Anatoly Sheludyakov.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Archbishop Justinian addressed parishioners with a sermon on the Sunday Gospel reading, after which a moleben was served to the Most Holy Theotokos, culminating in a procession by clergy and parishioners.

After the services, His Eminence congratulated Fr. Eugene, parish clergy, and parishioners on the occasion of their patronal feast day, calling down God’s blessing on their efforts to construct a new church building. In memory of his visit, he presented the parish with an icon of the holy saints who labored in constructing the primary Russian Orthodox church in the USA – St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City ‒ now America’s heavenly intercessors.

In turn, Fr. Eugene greeted Archbishop Justinian on behalf of the gathered faithful, and expressed his thanks for the joy of their shared prayer. Fr. Eugene also presented the Hierarch with a monetary collection by parishioners to aid in the restoration of St. Nicholas Cathedral, which was damaged by a fire on the night of October 3-4.

Interaction between the clergy and parishioners continued at a festal luncheon, prepared by the parish sisterhood and held in the future church building.

Photos: www.ruschurchusa.org

Translated by the Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese
Based on materials from ruschurchusa.org