February 2, 2015
Jackson, NJ: Bishop Nicholas celebrates Liturgy in St. Vladimir Memorial Church

On the Sunday after Theophany, January 25, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ. His Grace was co-served by Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov (dean of New Jersey), Priest Serge Ledkovsky (deputy rector of the memorial church), Protodeacon Vadim Gan (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City), Protodeacon Nicholas Lukianov (cleric of the diocesan cathedral), and Deacon Nathan Mousselli (cleric of the memorial church).

The service was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. A multitude of parishioners communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries at Liturgy, and the service proceeded in a festal atmosphere, in a spirit of peace and brotherly love.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Bishop Nicholas addressed the faithful with a sermon, touching on the theme of the Gospel reading, which is read in preparation for Great Lent; His Grace underscored the importance for Orthodox Christians of following the example of Zacchaeus, who demonstrated humility and repentance. Bishop Nicholas also spoke on the blessing for the faithful manifested by the presence of the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon at the divine services. The Icon will depart the Eastern American Diocese in the near future, traveling to Europe and Australia before returning to America only at the end of the summer. The clergy and parishioners expressed their gratitude to the Lord for the wonderworking Icon’s visit to the church, and for the inspiration and comfort the faithful received therefrom on the threshold of Great Lent.

After the service, the Memorial Church brotherhood arranged a delicious luncheon for the clergy and faithful.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese