EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 5 April 2023
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad leads the Southern Great Lenten Retreat

On Tuesday, April 4, 2023, clergymen of the Eastern American Diocese flocked to St Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (near Atlanta), GA for the start of the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

Prior to the retreat, on Saturday and Sunday, April 1-2, the Sunday of Venerable Mary of Egypt, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church, where he officiated at Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day, and performed vigil at the Church of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow."

At Liturgy, Hierodeacon Daniel (Justiniano) was ordained to the priesthood. The newly ordained Hieromonk Daniel will fulfill his service at St Mary Church and in the parishes of Puerto Rico.

The morning of April 4 began with a Moleben before the Start of a Good Work. The clergy were greeted by parish rector Archimandrite John (Townsend) and Metropolitan Nicholas, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

Archpriest John Whiteford (rector of St Jonah Church in Spring, TX) delivered a lecture to those gathered, entitled "Preaching the Word: Scriptures and Sermon Preparation." The talk was following by lively discussion.

After a delicious luncheon organized by the parish, Priest Peter Markevich briefly spoke about the activities of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year.

A meeting was then held between Metropolitan Nicholas and the clergy, after which Fr. John Whiteford delivered his second lecture, on "St Jonah of Manchuria: His Life, Ministry and Legacy." After the lecture, interaction continued throughout the day.

Participants of the clergy retreat served matins in the church, during which all were able to make their confessions in order to commune of Christ’s Holy Mysteries the following day. After a lenten supper, small compline was served, and all then returned to their rooms to quietly reflect on the day’s events and prepare themselves to serve the following day at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

Following Liturgy, a resolution will be adopted and the clerics will return home.

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