November 3, 2013
New York City: Metropolitan Hilarion’s Namesday Celebrated at
Synodal Cathedral
On
Sunday, November 3, clergy of the Eastern American Diocese gathered
at the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City to celebrate
the namesday of their ruling bishop and the First Hierarch of the
Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of
Eastern America & New York.
This was the first time since 2010 that the feast of Venerable
Hilarion of the Caves was celebrated in New York City. In 2011, the
First Hierarch was carrying out an Archpastoral visit to the
Australian Diocese, and last year, due to Hurricane Sandy, access to
the city was closed off, and the Metropolitan spent his namesday at
the Diasporan Lavra – Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.
At the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence was co-served by Archbishop
Gabriel of Montreal & Canada and Eastern American Diocesan vicar
Bishop George of Mayfield, as well as
diocesan clerics. Also praying in the altar was Bishop Jerome.
The prayerful mood was elevated by the wonderful singing of the
Synodal Choir, under the direction of Peter Fekula.
Prior
to the start of Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion tonsured Synodal
altar server Sergey Guskov a reader. During the communion of the
clergy, Archbishop Gabriel delivered a sermon on Demetrius Soul
Saturday and the importance of commemorating our departed loved
ones, touching on the day’s Gospel reading of the rich man and
Lazarus.
Upon completion of the Liturgy, on behalf of the Sobor of Bishops of
the Church Abroad, Archbishop Gabriel greeted the Metropolitan.
Archpriest Andrei Sommer, the cathedral’s senior priest, then read a
greeting on behalf of the Synodal staff. On behalf of the clergy and
faithful of the Eastern American Diocese, Bishop George presented
His Eminence with a set of lesser Hierarchal white vestments:
omophorion, cuffs, and stole; and offered his congratulations,
saying:
"Vladyka, on behalf of your clergy and flock in the Eastern American
Diocese, I would like to congratulate you on your feast day. Your
obedience is very difficult, not only from parish to parish or state
to state, but country to country, and even across the world. I don’t
think anyone could do this without God’s grace, and we wish that God
will continue to strengthen you and to give you the grace to guide
your flock throughout the world to salvation. May God grant you many
years of service to His Church."
In
turn, the Metropolitan thanked all those present for their
congratulations and joint prayer:
"I would like to thank our dear Archpastors: Archbishop Gabriel,
Bishop George, Bishop Jerome; all of our priests and hieromonks who
were able to come and serve in this holy temple; and all of you,
dear brothers and sisters. I am very touched by your words, your
care and, most importantly, your love and prayers. It is namely
through joining in prayer that we are strengthened, and all of our
struggles can be accomplished only with God’s help. We have nothing
in which to glory, as we heard in the Epistle reading – we can glory
only in our infirmities, in our shortcomings. Meanwhile, every good
thing comes from the Lord God Himself. I wish all of you health,
salvation, good works, and every blessing."
The protodeacon then intoned the Polychronion for the Metropolitan
and all those present. After the service, a bountiful luncheon in
honor of the First Hierarch was offered in the Synodal hall, during
which many words of congratulation were offered.
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