January 25, 2012
Nanuet, NY: Met. Hilarion awarded the Synodal Order of the Sign 1st Class, to the Abbess of the Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo"

On Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of January, in the feast of the Repose and Second Finding of the Relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, carried out an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo." On Saturday evening, His Eminence served the All-Night Vigil in the monastery’s main church.

The following morning, the First Hierarch celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by the monastery’s senior cleric, Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, Archpriest Alexander Donchenko (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Poughkeepsie, NY), and Protodeacon Sergei Arlievsky (monastery cleric). Monastery cleric Archpriest Gleb Wleskoff also prayed in church. Upon completion of the Liturgy, a moleben was served to St. Seraphim, Worderworker of Sarov.

Abbess Irene, the convent's rectress, was awarded the Synodal Order of the Sign, 1st class, for her many years of monastic labors. In February of this year, Mother Irene will turn 90; her path in the monastic life began 75 years ago, while she was still in Harbin. This year will also mark the 20th anniversary of her abbacy. The Metropolitan warmly congratulated the Mother Abbess, thanking her for her dedicated service to Christ’s Holy Church.

After the service, a festal luncheon was held in the parish hall for the guests.


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