January 16, 2015
Nanuet, NY: Metropolitan Hilarion serves in Novo-Diveevo on Second Day of Christ’s Nativity

On the second day of Christ’s Nativity – the Synaxis of the Mother of God – His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Holy Dormition Convent Novo-Diveevo in Nanuet, NY.

Worshippers braved the day’s chilling frosts to come and pray with their First Hierarch, who was co-served by monastery clergy: Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, Archpriest Yaroslav Belikow, and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, as well as Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; cleric of the Australian Diocese). The large number of altar servers helped the hierarchal service run smoothly, and the choir – singing under the direction of Matushka Maria Fedorowski – provided a wonderful, prayerful mood.

At the Great Entrance and upon completion of the Liturgy, special prayers were offered up for the repose of the soul of Abbess Irene, as the day marked the first anniversary of her blessed repose. May her memory be eternal!

In greeting the clergy and parishioners, Metropolitan Hilarion made special note of the calm, prayerful atmosphere that prevailed at the services.

At the festal luncheon held after Liturgy, the Metropolitan continued his interaction with clergy and worshippers in a warm, familial setting.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese