June 2, 2016
Summerville, SC: Bishop Nicholas visits Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church

On May 29, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, paid an archpastoral visit to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Summerville, SC, and celebrated the Divine Liturgy. His visit commemorated not only the parish’s recent patronal feast day (May 11/24), but also the 43rd anniversary of its founding in 1973.

At Liturgy, His Grace was co-served by parish rector Archpriest Anastasy Yatrelis, Archpriest Onouphry Keith (pastor emeritus of St. Nicholas Church in Fletcher, NC), and parish Deacon Daniel Gregoire. Due to the heavy rains and a leak above the altar table, the Liturgy was celebrated on a makeshift altar placed in front of the altar table, and buckets both in the altar and the nave helped catch the dripping rainwater.

The church was filled with worshippers, including many children, and the people even lined up in the anteroom hallway outside. The small area of the church lent a sense of togetherness and the spirit of early Christian worship to the service.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, a Litiya was served, and the blessed bread was given out to the faithful after the kissing of the Cross.

In his sermon, Bishop Nicholas spoke on the Sunday Gospel reading, touching on the words of the Savior: "If thou knewest the gift of God, and Who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of Him, and He would have given thee living water" (John 4:10), and "God is a Spirit: and they that worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth" (John 4:24). His Grace greeted Fr. Anastasy and the parishioners on the occasion of their recent patronal feast day of the Holy Equals-of-the-Apostles Sts. Cyril & Methodius.

On behalf of the parish, Fr. Anastasy thanked His Grace for his visit and archpastoral care, and inviting him to visit more often. A bountiful luncheon was then served in the Greek restaurant next door.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese