November 10, 2011
Nyack, NY: The 40th Anniversary of the Repose of Archpriest Seraphim
Slobodskoy was marked in Holy Virgin Protection Church
On
Saturday, November 5, the 40th anniversary of the death of
Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan
vicar Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy of
St James, Brother of the Lord and first Bishop of Jerusalem,
followed by a panihida, at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack,
NY. His Grace was joined by the rector, Archpriest George Larin,
representatives of other Local Churches and clergymen from various
dioceses of the Russian Church Abroad, along with an enormous number
of worshipers. In his sermon, Vladyka Jerome compared Fr Seraphim’s
service as a good pastor, which included authoring the renowned book The Law
of God, with the apostolic podvig of
the relative of Christ celebrated on this day.
At the memorial reception that followed, a
greeting from His Holiness, Patriarch Kyrill of Moscow & All Russia,
was read. Fr George talked about his first years as a priest under
the wise guidance of the late archpriest. Protodeacon Victor
Lochmatow (cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY) read
a greeting from Archimandrite Luke (Murianka), dean of Holy Trinity
Seminary and Abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery, after which he shared
his own personal memories of Fr. Seraphim and his matushka Elena.
Mr. George Joukov then spoke on behalf of Camp NORR [the National
Association of Russian Explorers], pointing out that Fr. Seraphim
always actively participated in the ecclesio-patriotic and
educational work of the organization, helping raise several
generations of Russians in the difficult situation of the
emigration.
Mr. Alexei Slobodskoy drew great interest with a lecture on the life
and legacy of his father. Alexei Seraphimovich made a profound
impression on the listeners with a presentation of rare and
fascinating photographs from the history of Holy Virgin Protection
Church and the life of Fr. Seraphim, earning enthusiastic applause.
A concluding speech was read by the spiritual son of the late
pastor, Archpriest Andre Papkoff, Senior Priest of Holy Virgin
Protection Cathedral in Chicago, IL.
A presentation followed by MOST Publishing Company on their new book
by A.S. Slobodskoy, Archpriest
Seraphim Slobodskoy: His Life and Legacy.
"In
the book on the life and legacy of Archpriest Seraphim Slobodskoy,"
wrote His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America
& New York, "the reader will learn little-known facts about
the life of the author of
The Law of God, which has been widely disseminated
throughout the entire Orthodox Church. It is noteworthy that the
exhibition on the history of the Russian Church Abroad, opened under
His Holiness, Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow & All Russia, and His
Eminence, Metropolitan Laurus, at Christ the Savior Cathedral in
Moscow in 2007, Fr. Seraphim was called one of the most eminent
figures of the Russian Diaspora, epitomizing the spirit of the
Church Abroad. This book gives a good understanding of how our
parents lived in foreign lands. One senses that the biography of Fr.
Seraphim should inspire each and every one of us to labor to
preserve and disseminate this great legacy."
The book may be obtained by contacting its author, Alexei
Seraphimovich Slobodskoy, at atalexei.slobodskoy@gmail.com.
After a prayer of thanksgiving, Fr. George expressed his gratitude
to the parish sisterhood, headed by Catherine Larin, for their
splendid luncheon.
Official website of Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws
