DIOCESE OF EASTERN AMERICA AND NEW YORK: September 28, 2010
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad Leads the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Priesthood of Protopriest Alexei Ohotin, Dean of the First Deanery of the Eastern American Diocese

On Saturday, September 25, 2010, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, celebrated Divine Liturgy at Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the priestly ordination of the Rector and Dean of New York City, Protopriest Alexei Ohotin.

In 1960, Fr Alexei was ordained a deacon by Archbishop Averky, and a priest by Metropolitan Anastassy in St Seraphim of Sarov Church in Sea Cliff, NY.

On Saturday, the First Hierarch was joined in the Divine Liturgy by His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, and a multitude of diocesan clergy. During the minor entrance, in accordance with a resolution of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops, Metropolitan Hilarion awarded Fr Alexei the right to wear the second cross for his fifty diligent years of service to Christ’s Holy Church.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, the First Hierarch greeted Fr Alexei and expressed his sincere gratitude for the latter’s zealous and devoted service to the Holy Church. A festal luncheon was then offered under the open sky, during which many warm words and greeting were spoken. On behalf of the Eastern American Diocese, diocesan secretary Protopriest Serge Lukianov greeted Fr Alexei and Matushka Tamara. Fr Alexei then thanked all those present and shared some memories of his 50-year-long path in the Church’s service. Photos of the event can be viewed on the official website of the Eastern American Diocese:

http://www.eadiocese.org/Albums/2010/09/Sept 25 Flushing/index.html