July 26, 2014
Columbia, SC: Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan leads Patronal Feast Day of St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church

On Thursday the 17th and Friday the 18th of July, the feast of the martyric repose of the Venerable Nun-Martyrs Elizabeth and Barbara, His Grace, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, paid an archpastoral visit to St Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC and led its patronal feast day celebrations.

Bishop Nicholas served the All-Night Vigil on the eve of the feast, as well as the Liturgy on the morning of July 18. The services were co-served by parish rector Archpriest Mark Mancuso, Priest Job Watts (rector of St. Nektarios Church in Lenoir City, TN), Priest Richard Reed (cleric of St. Joseph of Optina Church in Virginia Beach, VA), Priest Alexis Baldwin (cleric of Holy Resurrection OCA Mission in North Augusta, SC), parish Deacon Columba Wilson, and Deacon Jeremiah Davis (cleric of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV).

During the Sixth Hour, Bishop Nicholas ordained parish Reader Antonius Baird a subdeacon. The new Subdeacon Antonius will continue his service at St. Elizabeth’s.

In his sermon, His Grace spoke about how St. Elizabeth turned a major tragedy in her life – the murder of her husband, Grand Duke Serge – into a blessing by accepting it as God’s will to draw her closer to Him, which she did by embracing the monastic life and dedicating her life to service of others in need. Bishop Nicholas encouraged the faithful to follow her example of following God’s call to draw closer to Him in light of any personal tragedies or setbacks we may have in our lives and resist the temptation to be bitter, cynical, and become angry with God.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, a short moleben was served to St. Elizabeth. Deacon Jeremiah then intoned the Polychronion for the archpastors, rector, clergy, parishioners, namesday celebrants, and all Orthodox Christians.

After the service, the clergy, parishioners, and guests gathered in St. John’s Parish Hall next to the church, where the Sisterhood had prepared a bountiful festal luncheon. Following the meal, Bishop Nicholas delivered a presentation to the parishioners on the life of Metropolitan Laurus. He stressed the importance of also following the example of Metropolitan Laurus’ simple yet disciplined way of life as way of accomplishing many God-pleasing things in our own lives.

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

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese