June 27, 2011
Middlebrook, VA: Celebration of the 15th anniversary of the founding
of All Saints of North America Church
On
Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of June, on the Sunday of All
Saints, parishioners of
All Saints of North America Church in Middlebrook, VA celebrated
their patronal feast day and the 15th anniversary of the parish’s
founding. The festal divine services were led by the dean of the
South and rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington,
DC, Archpriest Victor Potapov. The dean was co-served by parish
founder and rector Archpriest John Moses, Hieromonk Alexander
(Frizzell; cleric of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV), Priest
Michael Furry (rector of St. Innocent of Alaska Mission in Roanoke,
VA – Bulgarian Orthodox Church), and Priest Gabriel Weller (parish
cleric).
The prayerful singing of the parish choir, under the direction of
Matushka Alexandra Moses, contributed to the festal mood of all
those present. After the Liturgy, the clergy and faithful served a
moleben before an icon of the Saints of North America, followed by a
procession to the joyous peal of the parish bells.
After the divine services, Fr. Victor greeted the rector, clergy,
choir members, sisterhood, and all of the parishioners on the
occasion of their feast day and their blessed anniversary. Fr.
Victor especially noted the extensive, fruit-bearing labors of Fr.
John and Matushka Alexandra in founding and maintaining this parish
for 15 years. In memory of the feast, Fr. Victor presented the
parish a piece of the Tomb of Christ.
A bountiful luncheon was offered, after which Fr. Victor led a very
interesting discussion on the life and martyric death of Brother
Joseph Muñoz-Cortes, the guardian of the wonderworking Iveron Icon
of the Mother of God of Montreal.
Republication of materials must include a reference to:
"Eastern American Diocesewww.eadiocese.org."
