NEW YORK: June 16, 2008
Metropolitan Hilarion Officiates at Divine Services 

On Thursday, June 5, 2008, the Ascension of the Lord, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion officiated at Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Sign in New York, at which he ordained Deacon Sergei Sokolov to the rank of presbyter. 

On Saturday, June 7, His Eminence celebrated Liturgy at the Church of St George in Freewood Acres, NJ. 

The next day, Metropolitan Hilarion led Divine Liturgy at St Nicholas Church in Red Bank, NJ. He was joined in the service by Mitred Protopriest George Larin; Protopriest Alexander Golubov; Protopriest Philip Petrovsky; Parish Rector Protopriest Serge Lukianov; Archdeacon Eugene Burbelo and Deacon Konstantin Semyanko. At the prescribed time of the Liturgy, His Eminence Vladyka ordained Subdeacon Leonid Rozhkov to the deaconate. After the service, the First Hierarch noted the earnest efforts of the Rector in renovating the church and thanked all the parishioners for participating in this project. Metropolitan Hilarion then congratulated Fr Leonid and his family, wishing them health and spiritual strength in serving the Holy Church. The Mayor of Red Bank, Pascuale Menna, welcomed the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia on his first visit to Red Bank and gave His Eminence the keys to the city. Vladyka expressed gratitude to the Mayor for his love and support of our parish. After Liturgy, a festive trapeza luncheon was offered.