Русская Версия

September 30, 2011
Methuen, MA: Archpastoral Visit of Metropolitan Hilarion to St. Xenia’s Church

On Friday, September 23 and Saturday, September 25, on the Feast of the Glorification of St. Xenia of Petersburg, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, led the Divine Services in St. Xenia’s Church in Methuen, MA.

On Friday evening His Eminence was greeted with the peal of the bells and then led the All-Night Vigil co-served by the rector Archpriest Michael Crowley, Archpriest Victor Boldewskul, Priest Brendan Crowley (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Springfield, MA), Priest Vadim Pismenny (cleric of the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Mahopac, NY), Priest John Routos, Priest Constantine Desrosiers (parish cleric), Protodeacon Alexander Jarostchuk (cleric of Holy Epiphany Church), and parish Deacon Alexander Doohovskoy. After the Vigil, a lenten dinner was served in the parish hall.

On Saturday morning, the First Hierarch was greeted under the peal of the bells by parish warden Anthony Sarantakis. His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy, as well as Archpriest Spyridon Schneider (rector of St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, MA), Archpriest Alexander Androsov (MP cleric), and Priest Kevin Kalish (rector of Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY). The church was filled with over 150 of faithful, many of whom confessed and communed of the Holy Mysteries on the joyous feast day.

After the Divine Liturgy, a festal moleben and procession were held around the church. The Sisterhood, assisted by Nicholas Chaplin, prepared a bountiful banquet under tents on the church grounds. His Eminence spent a long time speaking with various members of the parish. Before leaving for New York, Fr. Michael thanked the First Hierarch for his pastoral love and care shown to the parishioners during his annual visit.

Republication of materials must include a reference to: 
"Eastern American Diocese www.eadiocese.org."

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese