Русская Версия

July 25, 2010
Jackson, NJ: The First Hierarch of ROCOR led the national St. Vladimir’s Day celebrations

July 24-25, the national St. Vladimir’s Day celebrations were held at the Memorial Church of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir – "chief among the saints of Russia," the founder of Holy Russia and true Russian culture, in Jackson, NJ.

The festal divine services were led by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York. His Eminence was co-served by Eastern American Diocesan Vicar Bishop George of Mayfield and diocesan clergy.

Traditionally, a multitude of the faithful come from every corner of New Jersey and New York to St. Vladimir’s Mount on this day. A great number of worshipers came to pray, filling the marvelous church.

Present at the feast was a copy of the miraculous Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, brought from Holy Trinity Monastery.

Also participating in the festal service were scouts from the St. Alexander Nevsky Division of St. George Pathfinders of America (SGPA), who accompanied the First Hierarch during the greeting before the service and during the procession.

After the Eucharistic Canon, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion elevated Subdeacon Paul Drozdowski to the diaconate. During the communion of the clergy, diocesan secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov delivered an inspiring sermon dedicated to the memory of the builders of the Memorial Church, Archbishops Vitaly (Maximenko) and Nikon (Rklitsky) and to the rebirth of Holy Russia.

After the Liturgy, a traditional procession was performed, culminating in the lesser blessing of the water under an open sky. Upon completing the blessing of the water, the First Hierarch greeted all those present and underscored the special role of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in the history of the Church Abroad. Vladyka greeted the newly ordained Deacon Alexander Smida (ordained July 24), and Deacon Paul, wishing them the help of God in their future paths serving the Church.

The Russian festival then began, while a festive banquet was held in the parish hall. During the banquet, the parish children, dressed in Russian costumes, presented a concert of Russian folk music.

All-Night Vigil     Divine Liturgy  

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese

See Also:

July 28, 2010
Jackson, NJ: Bishop Jerome celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Vladimir Memorial Church

July 24, 2010
Jackson, NJ: Metropolitan Hilarion celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Holy Virgin Protection Church

July 22, 2010
Jackson, NJ: St. Vladimir’s Day – the Day of Russian Unity