March 18, 2013
Miami, FL: Metropolitan Hilarion led the Divine Services in St. Vladimir Church

From Friday the 8th to Sunday the 10th of March, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an Archpastoral visit to Miami, FL. On Friday night, the First Hierarch visited St. Matrona of Moscow Church, where he led a moleben and akathist and met with parishioners.

On Saturday, Metropolitan Hilarion visited St. Vladimir Church, and led the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy the following morning. His Eminence was co-served by parish rector Archpriest Daniel McKenzie, Hieromonk Nicholas (Perekrestov; cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, accompanying the Metropolitan), Priest Nathan Monk (ROCOR cleric), Protodeacon Dimitri Temidis (cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, accompanying the Metropolitan), and parish Deacons Thomas Branch and Demetrio Romeo.

During the Little Entrance, Fr. Thomas was elevated to the rank of protodeacon. After the Great Entrance, Fr. Demetrio was ordained to the priesthood, while after the Eucharistic Canon, Subdeacon Michael Mikhailenko was ordained to the diaconate. The newly ordained Priest Demetrio will fulfill his service in Florida’s mission parishes, while Deacon Michael will fulfill his service in St. Vladimir Church.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion greeted the parish and the newly ordained clergy. His Eminence especially thanked the choir, which, along with guest singer Konstantin Stepanov from the Moscow State Conservatory, sang beautifully, angelically adorning the divine services.

Photos: Chad Husby

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese