EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 5 August 2026
St Vladimir Memorial Church of the 1000th Anniversary of the Baptism of Rus in New Jersey celebrates it feast day

On Tuesday, July 28, 2026, when the Holy Church commemorates the Baptizer and Enlightener of Rus’, the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York officiated the patronal feast of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were:

• Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City)
  
• Archpriest Serge Ledkovsky (deputy rector of the Memorial Church)
  
• Archpriest Nikolai Manduke (cleric of the Memorial Church)
  
• Priest Anthony Williams (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ)
  
• Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral)
  
• Protodeacon Paul Drozdowski (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral)
  
• Deacon Rostislav Wojtenko (cleric of the Memorial Church), and
  
• Deacon Dumitru Lişan (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral).

The choir, directed by Julia Kovaleva, sang beautifully.

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

At the Hours, Metropolitan Nicholas tonsured Michael Wojtenko – son of Fr. Rostislav – a reader.

Parishioners of the Memorial Church and other churches in the state prayed at Liturgy. Almost everyone communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas greeted the faithful and addressed them with a sermon:

"We know that Prince Vladimir, before the change, the turning point in his life, was a pagan who lived according to the flesh: he ate, drank, made merry, won victories, and subjugated nations for his own personal, worldly glory.

"A certain monk – whose name remains unknown to us – managed to speak with Prince Vladimir and explain to him that God exists, that eternal life exists, and that all who do good, help others, and show understanding here on earth will find themselves at the right hand of the Lord God. This is also stated in the Gospel. Upon hearing the monk, Prince Vladimir was deeply moved in heart and soul; he reflected on how good it is to be with someone who helps others, offers spiritual guidance, and reveals the meaning of life in Christ – leading one to stand at the right hand of the Lord God after death. He was baptized and enlightened – and he was able to lead not only himself, but his entire people to the True Faith.

"Yet many of us today still live like pagans – just as Prince Vladimir did before his baptism: we understand nothing and do nothing to change our inner lives… But we possess the Sacraments, Christ’s Holy Mysteries, and the opportunity to pray in church and to take these things seriously.

"The Christian life means bearing one’s cross and professing one’s faith. Let us strive to enlighten ourselves first, and then, whenever possible, others as well. Let us be a beacon, both for ourselves and for the people around us."

A moleben was served, during which the clergy and the faithful walked in procession around the church.

In the church hall, the sisterhood prepared a delicious meal for the clergy and parishioners.

Eastern American Diocese