April 26, 2016
Norwich, CT: Metropolitan Hilarion performs Ordination to Diaconate in Holy New Martyrs Church

On April 10, the Sunday of St. John Climacus, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Norwich, CT, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy and performed a diaconal ordination.

At the Sixth Hour, Metropolitan Hilarion bestowed the right to wear the orarion on Reader Nicholas Tague.

At Liturgy, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was concelebrated by parish clergy: Priest Kevin Kalish (former rector), rector Priest John Malcom, and Protodeacon Nicholas Drobot, as well as Deacons Dionysius Lvov (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City) and Daniel Gregoire (cleric of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Summerville, SC).

After the Eucharistic Canon, His Eminence ordained Subdeacon Cyril Gregoire to the diaconate. The newly ordained Deacon Cyril will fulfill his service at Holy New Martyrs Church.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, the First Hierarch delivered a sermon on the life and ascetic struggles of Venerable John Climacus, author of "The Ladder," the work for which he is named and which details our ascent from earthly tumult and sin to the divine and Heavenly life.

After the service, a luncheon was served in the parish hall, during which thanks were offered to the Metropolitan for his visit and holy prayers, as well as words of congratulation to the newly ordained deacon.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese