EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: October 21, 2021
Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, celebrates its feast day on the 50th anniversary of the repose of Fr Seraphim Slobodskoy

On Thursday, October 14, the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY to officiate the divine services for the parish’s patronal feast.

Concelebrating with His Grace were: Archpriest George Larin (rector emeritus), Archpriest Elias Gorsky (parish rector), Archpriest Michael Crowley (rector of St. Xenia Church in Methuen, MA), Abbot Theognost (Kogan; MP cleric), Priest Andrew Podymow and Protodeacon Dimitri Temidis (parish clerics), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), and Deacons Matthew Keil (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City) and Alexey Pnev (cleric of Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY).

During the Hours, parishioner Matthew Winward was tonsured a reader. At the Little Entrance, for his dedicated service to the church, Fr. Andrew Podymow was awarded the nabedrennik and kamilavka.

Liturgy was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

The parish choir joyously sang under the direction of Subdeacon Victor Gonchar. Many parishioners communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Fr. Elias thanked Bishop Nicholas for sharing this day with the parish and bringing the Kursk Root Icon for the parishioners to venerate; Bishop Nicholas congratulated the parish on its feast day, Reader Matthew on his tonsure, and Fr. Andrew with his awards. He also relayed prayers and congratulations to the parish on behalf of Metropolitan Hilarion.

After the service, a luncheon was held in the parish hall, where a familial atmosphere reigned.

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