February 14, 2014
Chestnut Ridge, NY: Fundraiser Luncheon for Novo-Diveevo Convent held at Otrada

On Sunday, February 9, a fundraiser "Pelmeni" luncheon was held at the Beloselsky Hall at Otrada, a Russian-American organization in Chestnut Ridge, NY. Proceeds from the luncheon will go to the Reception Hall Restoration Project at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY. The afternoon event was attended by over 200 people from the tri-state area. Not only were there guests that frequent Novo-Diveevo, but people came from all of the surrounding local parishes, even as far as South Jersey and Long Island.

In attendance were Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (clerics of Novo-Diveevo). A big supporter of the event was the parish of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY: in attendance were rector Archpriest George Larin and Archpriest Ilya Gorsky (parish cleric). Archpriest Mark Burachek (rector of Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ) also attended; Fr. Mark is one of several priests who serve at Novo-Diveevo during the week. Finally, Abbot Joseph (Hoffman; rector of Holy Transfiguration Church OCA in Pearl River, NY), Archdeacon Eugene Burbelo, Protodeacon Sergei Shoomiloff (cleric of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, CA), and Deacon George Temidis (cleric of the Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Mahopac, NY) attended the afternoon festivities.

In the fall of 2013 at Novo-Diveevo, a group of parishioners, including several young people, took the initiative to begin the Novo-Diveevo Reception Hall Restoration Project. Over 30 years had passed since the kitchen and hall had been left dormant. When it became evident that there was nobody to take over managing and running the reception hall and kitchen, the building was used as a temporary iconography studio. After that, it became a storage area, forsaking any resemblance to a kitchen or reception hall. The only general use was that of the Convent’s public restrooms. And so it stood for nearly two decades, practically forgotten.

Over the course of the last couple of years, talk resurfaced about the need to reestablish the hall. The convent always viewed the closing of the hall as a loss to the community. Visitors to the convent or cemetery frequently asked if there were a space that could be used following services to gather with family or friends. Each time the answer was no and, instead, one of several local restaurants was recommended as an alternative. Yet there are people who still remember the fond years of having had lunch after church, or a memorial service or other event at the convent. More and more talk of organizing a restoration project became a reality. Especially those of the younger generation realized that, if they don't do something, nobody would. Thus, with the blessing of the ever-memorable Abbess Irene and Fr. Alexander Fedorowski, the project began. 

The hall and kitchen need a great deal of work, and must be renovated from top to bottom. The plan also includes renovations to the restrooms in the building, which are in dire need of a makeover. The convent has minimal funds to put into renovating an entire building, so one of the first plans was to raise funds for materials, appliances, furniture, and kitchenware. The idea for the "Pelmeni" Fundraiser was born.

The luncheon was bountiful with appetizers, pelmeni with all of the trimmings, and dessert. A local Russian dance troupe, "Troika," entertained the guests with its two younger groups performing several dances. To close out the day, people had the chance to mingle and dance to Russian and classic ballroom music.

Overall, organizers considered the fundraiser a very successful event, with a significant amount of the donations necessary raised.

Donations are still being accepted for the project. Anybody interested in donating, may still do so. Checks may be sent directly to the monastery:

Holy Dormition Convent Novo-Diveevo
100 Smith Road
Nanuet, NY 10954-5200

Please note on the check that it is for the "Reception Hall Restoration Project."

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese