July 17, 2009
Howell, NJ: Diocesan Feast of the Royal Martyrs held in St. George's Church

On  Thursday, July 16, at St. George's Church in Howell, NJ, the Diocesan feast of the Holy Royal Martyrs began. At 5:45 PM, to the sound of pealing bells, the faithful greeted the relics of the Holy Royal Martyrs, after which began the All-Night Vigil. During the Polyeleos, the singing of the akathist to the Holy Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II commenced; a joint choir, composed of singers from across the Diocese and under the direction of Reader Nektary Lukianov, beautifully adorned the Vigil while the priests confessed a great number of the faithful.

The following morning, on the very day of the feast, the clergy of the Eastern American Diocese gathered to celebrate the memory of the Holy Royal Martyrs. At 9:30 AM, the clergy greeted the Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, after which the Divine Liturgy began. A great many worshippers, coming to pray to the Holy Passion-Bearers, filled the entire church. The divine services proceeded in a spirit of great enthusiasm and splendor. Due to the multitudinosity of believers, the Holy Gifts were brought forth in two Chalices. Upon completion of the Liturgy, a procession around the church began, at the end of which took place the blessing by His Grace of the Cossack regalia and arms, which are being prepared for return to the city of Krasnodar (formerly Yekaterinodar) from the Kuban Cossack museum, where these priceless cultural artifacts had been preserved for over 70 years. After the kissing of the Cross, the faithful were given icons of the Holy Royal Martyrs, and were then invited outside where, under a large canopy, a bountiful luncheon was provided.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese