October 7, 2014
Methuen, MA: Metropolitan Hilarion leads Divine Services for the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos in St. Xenia’s Church

On Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of September, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Xenia’s Church in Methuen, MA, where he led the divine services for the great feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos.

At the All-Night Vigil, His Eminence was co-served by parish rector Archpriest Michael Crowley, Priest Constantine Desrosiers (parish cleric), Priest Kevin Kalish (rector of Holy New Martyrs Church in Norwich, CT), Deacon Alexander Doohovskoy (parish cleric), and Deacon Dionysius Lvov (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City). The Divine Liturgy was served on Sunday by all of the above-mentioned clergy, except for Fr. Kevin, who returned to his parish for the feast.

During the Little Entrance at the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Michael Crowley was awarded the right to wear the palitsa for his many years of service to the Church. His Eminence gave a moving sermon about the feast and the love and care the Mother of God has for us all.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, a moleben was served, with a procession held around the church in anticipation of the feast of the Glorification of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg the following Wednesday, September 24th.

After the service, a bountiful luncheon was served by the parish sisterhood in tents on church grounds.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese