September 1, 2015
Nanuet, NY: Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada leads Patronal Feast Day of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo"

On Friday, August 28, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY celebrated its patronal feast day.

His Eminence Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal & Canada, came to lead the triumphal Divine Liturgy. He was co-served by convent clergy: Archpriests Alexander Fedorowski and Yaroslav Belikow, Hieromonk Photius (Oulanov), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin). In his sermon, Archbishop Gabriel drew the attention of the faithful to details of the life of the Mother of God not recorded in the New Testament, but about which we know through Holy Tradition. He also spoke on the intercession of our Mistress before the throne of the Almighty on behalf of us, sinners.

After a moleben and procession, His Eminence congratulated the clergy, nuns, and all of the gathered faithful on the occasion of the convent’s patronal feast day. Archbishop Gabriel especially congratulated the convent’s senior cleric, Fr. Alexander Fedorowski, who the day before had celebrated his 85th birthday. He thanked Fr. Alexander for his many years of spiritual labors, and the choir and faithful sang the Polychronion in his honor.

After Liturgy, a luncheon was offered in the cafeteria of the monastery’s retirement home, during which the clergy and those gathered were able to continue their interaction in an informal atmosphere.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese