May 29, 2015
Brooklyn, NY: Bishop Jerome celebrates Ascension Liturgy in St. John the Baptist Church

On Thursday, May 21, the feast of the Ascension of our Lord, His Grace, Bishop Jerome, visited St. John the Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. His Grace was co-served by parish rector and New York City dean Archpriest Alexander Belya, Archpriest George Kallaur (rector of Unexpected Joy Church on Staten Island, NY), and Deacons George Temidis (member of the Diocesan Council) and Petr Utkin (parish cleric).

The Liturgy was well-attended. Bishop Jerome’s sermon was on feast of the Ascension, beginning with the opening words of an old Slavonic prayer for Ascension Day, "Take up, O Lord, our hearts and minds with Thee" – and about how we tend to aim where we are looking – where our spiritual eyes are directed. "Where your treasure is, there will your heart be, but also: where your heart is, there will your treasure be!"

Upon completion of the service, there was a luncheon served in the parish hall. Festal toasts were offered, and Frs. Alexander Belya and George Kallaur spoke about the challenges and progress of day-to-day life in the church.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese