DIOCESE OF EASTERN AMERICA AND NEW YORK: May 2, 2008
St Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Roswell, GA, Celebrates Its Feast Day 

On April 13, 2008, during Great Lent, His Grace Bishop Gabriel visited St Mary of Egypt Orthodox Church in Roswell, TA. On that Saturday morning, Divine Liturgy and the Akathist Hymn were served, followed by all-night vigil and Divine Liturgy the next day for St Mary of Egypt. Nearly 200 people were present for the Divine Liturgy on Sunday, and St Mary’s was joined by many of the parishioners of its sister parish, Our Lady the Joy of All Who Sorrow in Cumming, GA, and its pastor Protopriest Alexis Duncan. Parish Rector Protopriest John Townsend and his congregation also welcomed Priest Alexander Logunov and Matushka Natalia from the Reigning Mother of God Parish in Charlotte, NC, for the celebrations. Vladyka Gabriel awarded Priest Steven Ritter, associate pastor of St Mary’s, the gold pectoral cross right before the Gospel entrance during Liturgy. 

Vladyka Gabriel stayed in Atlanta until Monday morning, offering him a chance to enjoy a respite with his clergy and flock, and to discuss various church issues with those desiring to speak with him. It was truly a blessed weekend, a “second Pascha” as Vladyka likens parish feast days, and all left encouraged and inspired to complete the remaining few weeks of the holy fast.