November 2, 2011
Utica, NY: Bishop George celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church

On Sunday, October 30, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of Mayfield, performed an archpastoral visit to Utica, NY, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church. His Grace visited the parish for the parish’s patronal feast day, which is celebrated on November 1 – the feast day of St. John of Kronstadt (whose glorification took place in the memorial church on November 1, 1964). On the eve of the feast, parish clergy served the All-Night Vigil.

His Grace was co-served by parish rector Archpriest Michael Taratuchin, Hieromonk Anatoly (Zilin; cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery), parish clerics Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk and Deacon Nicholas Kolasz, and Protodeacon Alexander Jarostchuk (cleric of Holy Epiphany Church in Boston).

In honor of the feast, St. John of Kronstadt’s kamilavka was brought to Utica from St. Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff, NY. Upon completion of the Liturgy, His Grace addressed worshippers with a sermon on the life of the "All-Russian Batushka," underscoring the necessity of every Christian to acquaint himself with St. John’s spiritual journal: "My Life in Christ." The clergy and faithful then held a moleben to St. John of Kronstadt with a procession around the church.

The clergy and parishioners continued their interaction at the local Valley View Country Club. Choir members, led by Fr. Joseph, sang Russian folk songs.

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