October 12, 2011
Howell, NJ: On the Feast Day of St. Sergius of Radonezh, Archbishop
Justinian of Naro-Fominsk celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St.
George’s Church
With
the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, on Saturday,
October 8, on the feast day of St. Sergius of Radonezh, the
Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, His Eminence
Justinian, Archbishop of Naro-Fominsk, celebrated the Divine Liturgy
in
St. George’s Church in Howell, NJ. On the eve of the feast, the
All-Night Vigil was served with the singing of the akathist to St.
Sergius of Radonezh.
His Eminence was co-served by parish rector Archpriest Serge
Lukianov, Archpriest Evgeny Goncharenko (cleric of St. Nicholas
Patriarchal Cathedral in New York, NY), Archpriest John Moses
(rector of All Saints of North America Church in Middlebrook, VA),
Priest Alexey Bocharnikov
(rector of St. Nicholas Church in Chester, PA), Priest Valery
Sukholobov (temp. rector of the Church of Our Lady, "Joy of All Who
Sorrow," in Philadelphia), Archdeacon Eugene Burbelo, Protodeacon
Igor Panachev (cleric of St. Nicholas Cathedral), and parish Deacon
Leonid Roschko. During the Liturgy, a small group from the NE Pennsylvanian male choir
"Podoben" sang, including Protodeacon Stephen Howanetz (cleric of
St. Tikhon of Zadonsk Monastery).
Upon completion of the Liturgy, His Eminence addressed worshipers
with a sermon on the life and spiritual labors of St. Sergius of
Radonezh, underscoring the importance of the Battle of Kulikovo for
the fate of Russia, a battle in which he blessed the Holy Prince
Dmitry Donskoy for battle. Archbishop Justinian also congratulated
Fr. Serge on the feast day of his Heavenly Intercessor, wishing him
God’s aid in his labors for Christ’s Church.
In reply, Fr. Serge thanked His Eminence for his archpastoral visit,
joint prayer, and gracious words. Fr. Serge noted how wonderful it
has been to work together with His Eminence on projects that further
the cause of unity amongst the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate
and the Eastern American Diocese.
After the service, a festal luncheon was offered, during which
everyone had an opportunity to continue interacting with one
another.
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