EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 6 February 2023
A long-time cleric of the Russian Church Abroad receives a lofty ecclesiastical award

On Saturday, January 28, 2023, the feast of Venerable Paul of Thebes and John Calabytes, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York performed an archpastoral visit to St Vladimir Church in Miami, FL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

Concelebrating with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was parish rector Archpriest Daniel McKenzie, as well as diocesan and visiting clergy.

The wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God was greeted prior to the start of Liturgy by a large contingent of parishioners and placed on an analogion adorned with flowers.

At the minor entrance, by decision of the Synod of Bishops, for his many years of dedicated service to the Church, as well as his longtime missionary efforts, particularly in Haiti, Fr Daniel was awarded the rite to wear the mitre.

Upon conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the clergy and faithful with a sermon. Afterward, he especially congratulated Fr Daniel on his lofty award, wishing him fortitude to continue his pastoral labors and presenting him with an icon of St. Luke of Crimea.

A luncheon was held outdoors on the parish grounds, prepared by the parish sisterhood.

That evening, Metropolitan Nicholas officiated the Resurrectional All-Night Vigil in Three Hierarchs Church in Hollywood, FL. The wonderworking Kursk Root Icon was likewise greeted with great fervor by parishioners, led by parish cleric Archimandrite Siluan (Lembei).

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