March 22, 2013
Framingham, MA: Bishop Jerome led the Divine Services in St. John the Wonderworker Church on Forgiveness Sunday

On Forgiveness Sunday, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, visited St. John the Wonderworker Church on the western outskirts of Boston, MA.

On Friday, March 15, Bishop Jerome arrived in Framingham and attended the parish Blini dinner, which was held in the parish hall of St. John of Damascus Antiochian Church. The event was well-attended, and the entertainment consisted of Russian folk songs and dances in national costumes.

On Saturday, March 16 before the All-Night Vigil, Bishop Jerome officiated at a memorial service for the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus. The first day of Lent marks the fifth anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Laurus, under whom the Act of Canonical Communion in the Russian Orthodox Church signed. Metropolitan Laurus was not only a wise archpastor, but he was a good mentor to all who had the opportunity and privilege to know him. Therefore, the faithful children of the Church Abroad follow the words of the Apostle Paul, commemorate those who guide and rule over them.

The parish choir, having prepared for the Hierarchal service with in rehearsal and by choir director Olga France, adorned the service with angelic singing.

On Forgiveness Sunday, March 17, girls with flowers greeted the Bishop, and assistant warden V.I. Bildey greeted His Grace with the traditional Russian bread and salt. The small temple premises were soon filled with worshipers, and the choir, under the direction of Larisa Filipenko, glorified the Hierarchal service with solemn chants. At the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Jerome was co-served by parish rector Archpriest Yaroslav Belikow and Deacon Alexander Kurenkov.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, as it is done everywhere on Forgiveness Sunday, Vespers were served, at the end of which was held the rite of forgiveness. Before the onset of Great Lent, everybody kneels and asks forgiveness from one other, remembering the words of Christ: if we do not forgive our neighbors’ sins and offenses, then God will not forgive us our own sins.

After the service, a bountiful Blini luncheon was served in the parish hall.

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