July 10, 2013
Mayfield, PA: Metropolitan Hilarion performed two ordinations at St.
John the Baptist Cathedral
On
Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of July, on the feast of the
Nativity of St. John the Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the
Lord, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence
Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, led the
patronal feast day of St.
John the Baptist Cathedral in
Mayfield, PA. Having undertaken a pilgrimage to the Diocese of
Australia, His Grace, cathedral rector Bishop George of Mayfield,
was unable to take part in the feast day.
On Saturday evening, Metropolitan Hilarion led the All-Night Vigil,
co-served by cathedral dean Archpriest John Sorochka, Archpriest
David Hritcko (rector of St. Basil the Great Church in Simpson, PA),
Archpriest Stephan Romanchak (rector of Holy Trinity Church in
California, PA), cathedral Protodeacon Gregory Petrochko,
Hierodeacon Tikhon (Gayfudinov; cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of
the Sign, accompanying His Eminence), Deacon Michael Wengrin (cleric
of St. George’ Church in Howell, NJ), and parish Deacon Michael
Lillie. The following morning, the First Hierarch celebrated the
festal Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy (with the
exception of Fr. David Hritcko), as well as Archpriest George
Alexson (cleric of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese), Archpriest Elias
Krenitsky (retired cleric of St. Michael the Archangel OCA Church in
Old Forge, PA), Abbot German (Ciuba; rector of St. Stephen’s Church
in Old Forge), and cathedral Protodeacon Stephen Howanetz.
At
the Sixth Hour, Metropolitan Hilarion tonsured Matthew Romanchak
(parishioner of Holy Trinity Church in California, PA) a reader.
Then followed two ordinations: after the Great Entrance, His
Eminence ordained Deacon Michael Lillie to the priesthood, and after
the Eucharistic Canon, ordained Subdeacon Michael Pavuk to the
diaconate. The newly ordained clergy will fulfill their service at
St. John the Baptist Cathedral; Fr. Michael Lillie is spending the
summer taking classes to become a military chaplain.
Upon completion of the Liturgy, a short moleben was served to St.
John the Baptist and Forerunner. In his sermon, the Metropolitan
reminded the faithful that "constantly living a life in Christ is
the only way to survive in the world today." The First Hierarch then
congratulated Fr. John and all of the parishioners on the occasion
of their patronal feast, along with the newly ordained priest and
deacon, wishing them spiritual fortitude and many years of service
to the Holy Church.
A bountiful luncheon was held in the parish hall, during which Fr.
John thanked Metropolitan Hilarion for his manifest Archpastoral
love, and likewise thanked all those who came to participate in the
parish feast.
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