Русская Версия

October 19, 2010
South Carolina: 15th annual joint Divine Liturgy at Cheraw State Park

On Sunday, October 17, parishioners of the Russian Church Abroad in North and South Carolina came together for joint prayer under a shelter by the lake at Cheraw State Park for the fifteenth time. This tradition began in the fall of 1995, when Priest Anastasy Yatrelis (rector of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Summerville, SC (near Charleston)) was also spiritually nourishing the Holy Trinity Mission in Durham, NC. In an attempt to bring parishioners of the two parishes closer together, Fr. Anastasy would gather everyone once a year in this picturesque corner of South Carolina, halfway between the two communities.

Throughout the years, other parishes began to participate in the joyous event. This year, Fr. Anastasy concelebrated with Priest Onouphry Keith (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Fletcher, NC) and Priest Alexander Logunov (rector of the Reigning Mother of God Church in Charlotte, NC). The service was beautifully sung by a joint choir of the four parishes under the leadership of Matushka Natalie Logunov. As is already a tradition, the service took place in three languages – English, Church Slavonic, and Greek.

Father Anastasy delivered a touching homily on the words of the Gospel, "As ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise." In his remarks, Fr. Alexander noted what a joy it is to come together for joint services, for we no longer feel alone, but realize that we are many and that we are held together by prayer and the bond of love.

After the Liturgy, there was picnic and time uring which members of the four parishes could meet and get to know one another. The youth took advantage of the gorgeous weather to go boating on the lake. Everyone departed filled great joy and awaiting the next joint service in Cheraw.

Aleksandr Andreev

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese