September 29, 2016
Methuen, MA: Metropolitan Hilarion leads Patronal Feast of St. Xenia’s Church

On Friday the 23rd and Saturday the 24th of September, St. Xenia’s Church in Methuen, MA celebrated its patronal feast day (on September 11/24, 1978, the Russian Church Abroad glorified Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg). The festal divine services – All Night Vigil on Friday evening and Divine Liturgy on Saturday morning – were led by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York.

His Eminence was co-served by parish clergy: rector Archpriest Michael Crowley, Priest Constantine Derosiers, and Deacon Alexander Doohovskoy. At Vigil, they were joined by clerics of Holy Epiphany Church in nearby Boston: rector Archpriest Victor Boldewskul and Protodeacon Alexander Jarostchuk, as well as by Protodeacon Dionysius Lvov (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, accompanying His Eminence); concelebrating at Liturgy were Archpriest Spyridon Schneider (rector of St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, MA), Archpriest Brendan Crowley (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Enfield, MA), and Priest Kevin Kalish (cleric of Holy New Martyrs of Russia Church in Norwich, CT).

Many parishioners and guests communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion addressed the faithful with a sermon, in which he spoke on the life of the Holy Blessed Xenia, and noted the significance this wonderful ascetic laborer has for our prayer lives. A short moleben was sung before her icon, followed by a procession around the church.

After the service, the parish sisterhood – along with parishioners Nicholas Chaplain cooking – prepared a bountiful luncheon for the clergy and faithful. During the luncheon, students of the parish’s Sunday school presented "The Days of Creation" before the Metropolitan.

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese