November 12, 2015
Philadelphia, PA: Metropolitan Hilarion leads Patronal Feast of Joy of All Who Sorrow Church

On Friday, November 6, the feast of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Joy of All Who Sorrow Church in Philadelphia, PA, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the parish’s patronal feast day.

His Eminence was co-served by Archpriest Mark Shinn (rector of St. Andrew’s Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia), Archpriest Serge Lukianov (secretary of the Eastern American Diocese), Archpriest Liubo Milosevich (rector of Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ), Priest Gregory Winsky (cleric of St. Michael the Archangel Church in Philadelphia), parish rector Priest Valery Sukholobov, Priest Eugene Solodky, Hieromonk Tikhon (Gayfudinov; rector of Holy Protection Skete in Buena, NJ), Priest James Dougherty, Protodeacon Leonid Roschko (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, NJ), and Deacon Stephanos Bibas (cleric of St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Rocky Hill, NJ). Also praying at the service was Archimandrite Athanasy (Mastalski; former rector).

The Liturgy took place under the aegis of the icon of the Righteous Anna, mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, which abundantly streamed myrrh from 2004 to 2010. The streaming of myrrh ceased for uncertain reasons, and the holy icon now reminds the faithful of that time by constantly exuding a sweet fragrance.

Praying at the service were parishioners and guests from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York, many of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. Upon completion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion congratulated the clergy and parishioners on the occasion of their patronal feast, and especially thanked the choir for their beautiful, prayerful singing. The sisterhood arranged a festal lenten luncheon, during which various aspects of parish life were discussed, and at which interaction between the clergy and parishioners continued.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese