Русская Версия

August 16, 2010
Hartford, CT: Metropolitan Hilarion led the divine services in St. Panteleimon Church

On August 7^th and 8th, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern American and New York led the divine services in St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, whose Patronal feast is celebrated on August 9th.

To the great joy of the parish, Hierodeacon Gabriel also arrived from Holy Trinity Monastery, bringing with him the wonder-working copy of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. Also in attendance were Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky and Priest Brendan Crowley, from St. Nicholas Church in Springfield, MA. Metropolitan Hilarion venerated the icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, the icon of St. Panteleimon containing relics of the great martyr and his disciple, St. Ermolaus, the Crucifix, and an icon of St. Seraphim.

The Sunday Vigil and service to the saint were festively performed to the assigned (but multifaceted) sticheras, to the hymns of Archimandite Matthew (Mormyl) and the Kiev Monastery of the Caves. After the service a light dinner was served.

The following morning the greeting of the bishop was held at 9:30. The Liturgy proceeded in a beautiful and triumphal manner. The First Hierarch was co-served by parish rector Priest Dionysy Nalitov, Fr. Nicholas and Fr. Brendon. During the communion of the clergy the children’s choir ably sung the troparion of the Pochaev Icon and the megalynarion of the great martyr. After a marvelous sermon by the Metropolitan, a procession was held.

Before the kissing of the Cross, Metropolitan Hilarion awarded choir directed Nicholas A. Semyanko for his longtime (35 years) service in his position as choir conductor. Upon completion of the service, the children’s choir sang "Eis polla eti Despota." The weather was also in a feasting mood, and the general luncheon was held outside.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese