October 1, 2014
Nanuet, NY: Bishop Nicholas visits Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo"

On Sunday, September 27, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Holy Dormition "Novo-Diveevo" Convent in Nanuet, NY.

Solemnly greeting the Hierarch prior to the start of Liturgy were the convent’s senior cleric, Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, convent clerics Archpriest Yaroslav Belikow and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, as well as Protodeacon Vadim Gan (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City) and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; cleric of the Australian Diocese).

The choir, under the direction of N.M. Fedorowski, beautifully adorned the hierarchal service. It was greatly endearing to see the young altar boys ably handle the extra responsibilities involved when serving with the bishop.

Bishop Nicholas is well-acquainted with the convent, though this was his first time celebrating the Divine Liturgy in hierarchal dignity. In his sermon, His Grace underscored the great significance of carrying one’s cross, which each person must do, and which differs in difficulty for each person. A worthy carrying of one’s cross, accomplished with Christian humility and with the help of God’s grace, is the true path to our salvation.

After the service, a luncheon was offered in the convent’s refectory, during which Bishop Nicholas spent time conversing with the clergy and parishioners, including residents of the convent’s old-age home. His Grace then prayed at the cemetery and served a panihida before departing home for New York City.

The clergy expressed their sincere gratitude to Bishop Nicholas for his visit to the convent and for leading their joint prayer.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese