February 22, 2013
Boston, MA: Metropolitan Hilarion visited Holy Epiphany Church

On Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th of February, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Epiphany Church in Boston, MA. The Metropolitan had intended to visit one week prior, but was delayed by a snowstorm that shut down much of New England.

Before the beginning of Vigil, His Eminence meet with architects to view expansion plans for the church, choir loft, and basement meeting hall, giving his enthusiastic blessing for the project. As the Metropolitan entered the church, the children of the parish school greeted His Eminence. After the service, a dinner was held at the home of the rector with parish clergy, where Metropolitan Hilarion took the opportunity to offer archpastoral guidance and discuss many issues facing the Church, including the need for more interaction with the youth.

The following morning, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by parish clergy. At the Little Entrance, parish Deacon Victor Ganson was awarded the double orarion for his faithful service to the Church. After Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion presented gramotas to two living founders of the parish, Elena Nicholaevna Klinova and Anna Alexandrovna Bardova, and on behalf of the parish presented a cross to Vladimir Pavlovich Roudenko, who recently retired as choir director. A bountiful meal, prepared by the sisterhood, was then offered in the parish hall.

Photos courtesy of Michael Efimov

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese