April 1, 2014
Atlanta, GA: Clerics of Joy of All Who Sorrow Church bless new Parish Cemetery and serve Akathist before Myrrh-Streaming Icon

On March 29, the fourth Saturday ‒ as well as third and final Soul Saturday ‒ of Great Lent, the clergy of the Church of our Lady "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in Atlanta, GA performed the blessing of the new parish cemetery. The cemetery, located a 25-minute drive from the church in the Atlanta suburb of Dunwoody, currently comprises 100 reserved plots, though no burials have yet taken place. In the words of parish rector Priest Eugene Antonov, "the location of the cemetery is very convenient for many Atlanta residents, between the northeastern and central regions of the city." The cemetery was dedicated to the Holy Archangel Michael. Soon parishioners hope to erect a chapel in the cemetery, consecrated in honor of St. Michael.

Upon completion of the Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning, Fr. Eugene ‒ joined by Priest Vladimir Kaydanov, parish Deacon Anton Kouznetsov, and a group of parishioners ‒ traveled to the cemetery, where they performed the blessing. Each cemetery plot costs $1,500; for more information, please contact Fr. Anton Kouznetsov by phone at (404) 957-7169.

On Monday, March 31, Joy of All Who Sorrow Church was visited by the myrrh-streaming Icon of the Mother of God "Softener of Evil Hearts," currently traveling throughout America. Parish clerics read the Canon to the Heavenly Queen and sang the akathist, joined by the gathered faithful of Atlanta and its environs, as well as a multitude of parishioners from Tennessee. For the sanctification of soul and body, Fr. Eugene anointed the faithful with myrrh from the Icon, wishing them spiritual peace and health of body.

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