October 12, 2014
Howell, NJ: 700th Anniversary of Ven. Sergius of Radonezh celebrated at St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral

On Tuesday the 7th and Wednesday the 8th of October, clergy of the Eastern American Diocese gathered at St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, NJ to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the birth of Venerable Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh. Though the Church Abroad’s official celebrations of the All-Russian Jubilee were being held at St. Sergius Cathedral in Cleveland, OH, for those who could not travel far, the services at the new diocesan center afforded an opportunity to pray together and celebrate the joyous event in a brotherly atmosphere.

Divine services were led by diocesan secretary and cathedral dean Archpriest Serge Lukianov, co-served by:

- Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov (dean, New Jersey Deanery);
- Archpriest Alexander Belya (dean, New York City Deanery);
- Archpriest Boris Oparin (rector, St. Joasaph of Belgorod Church – Brooklyn, NY);
- Archpriest Petro Kunitsky (cleric, Holy New Martyrs of Russia Church – Brooklyn);
- Archpriest Boris Slootsky (cathedral cleric);
- Priest Leonid Goferman (rector, Holy Virgin Protection Church – New Brunswick, NJ);
- Priest Seraphim Chemodakov (cathedral cleric);
- Priest Valery Sukholobov (rector, Joy of All Who Sorrow Church – Philadelphia, PA);
- Protodeacon Leonid Roschko (cathedral cleric);
- Deacon Paul Drozdowski (cathedral cleric); and
- Deacon George Temidis (member, Diocesan Council; cleric, Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage – Mahopac, NY).

The All-Night Vigil was served on Tuesday night, and on Wednesday morning, after the Hours and before the start of Liturgy, an akathist was served to the All-Russian Abbot, Venerable Sergius, Wonderworker of Radonezh.

Fr. Boris Oparin delivered the sermon during the communion of the clergy, after which those present communed of Christ’s Holy Gifts.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Fr. Serge greeted his brother clergy and the faithful, thanking them for their shared prayer. Fr. Valery Lukianov (on behalf of the parish) and Fr. Alexander Belya (on behalf of the New York City Deanery and the Diocese) congratulated Fr. Serge on the occasion of his namesday.

After a general photograph was taken, the clergy and people processed across the street to Russian House "Rodina," where the peal of bells greeted the blessing of a monument to Ven. Sergius of Radonezh, erected in honor of the saint’s 700th anniversary. Particular appreciation was voiced for the labors of Alexander A. Bondarev, director of "Rodina," in installing the monument.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese