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September 6, 2011
Jackson, NJ: On the 35th Anniversary of the Repose of Archbishop Nikon, Bishop Jerome celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Vladimir Memorial Church

On Sunday September 4, His Grace Jerome, Bishop of Manhattan, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Vladimir Memorial Church to the Millennium of the Baptism of Russia, on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the blessed repose of the ever-memorable Archbishop Nikon (Rklitsky; formerly of Washington and Florida).

The ever-memorable Archbishop Nikon dedicated many years of his archpastoral service to the creation of a Russian spiritual and social center on St. Vladimir’s Mount in Jackson. His Eminence strove with his whole heart to fulfill the spiritual testament of his mentor, Archbishop Vitaly (Maximenko) and complete the construction of the memorial church. In 1955, on the feast day of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles St. Vladimir, Archbishop Nikon addressed the faithful with these marvelous words, which entered into the history of the Church Abroad:

St. Vladimir Memorial Church, that citadel in which the bloodless sacrifice is now brought forth and prayer is lifted up to the Lord, is destined to be a lantern of faith for the Russian people, a lighthouse for its spiritual rebirth, a sign marking its millennial Christian path, a connecting link between the Russian people scattered throughout the world and the Russian people enslaved by godless communism. The Lord said to His disciples and through them to His whole Church: "whoever does not believe will be condemned" (Mark 16:16)… St. Vladimir Memorial Church, then, having a special meaning among the people, must become a mighty religious and social force, calling to life the sleeping spiritual strength of the people. The church must be a unifying national banner… Yes, beloved brothers and sisters! If in order to enslave the Russian people with communism they had to destroy churches and mock holy icons and relics, make dark the faith and blind the soul, then it is clear that for liberation from communism and for regaining spiritual sight we need a fortification of faith, which we receive in the spiritual hospital – the house of God.

It is impossible to measure the enormous contributions made by Archbishop Nikon in the formation of the Eastern American Diocese. He was one of the most distinguished archpastors of our Church, an inspiring preacher and missionary, and the founder of many of the diocese’s churches. All of our readers can acquaint themselves with the life of Archbishop Nikon in a special section of the website dedicated to His Eminence bright memory here.

At the Divine Liturgy, His Grace, Bishop Jerome, was co-served by deputy rector Priest Serge Ledkovsky, Deacon Nathan Mousselli (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign), and parish Deacons Alexander Smida and Paul Drozdowski.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, His Grace addressed the faithful with a sermon about the final days of the earthly life of Archbishop Nikon, speaking about his love for the memorial church. Bishop Jerome also underscored the importance of building your own personal, internal spiritual church through prayer and repentance. After the sermon, the clergy and faithgul went in procession to the lower Holy Virgin Protection Church, where Archbishop Nikon is buried in a tomb of beautiful white marble, next to which is His Eminence's mantia and pectoral cross. Bishop Jerome served a Litiya at the tomb, and all present sang Memory Eternal to Archbishop Nikon.

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