February 26th funeral services were held for Mrs. Aleftina Mohov, a long time parishioner who had reposed in the Lord.
February 21st the "Triumph of Orthodoxy" was celebrated. During the service, Metropolitan Laurus of Blessed Memory was commemorated, who passed away during this feast two years ago. After the service, the sisterhood held a meeting where preparations for the Easter celebrations were discussed. Those wishing to help are asked to speak to the elder sister, Mrs. Alla Ryl, or to her assistants.
February 19th our parish celebrated the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified gifts, which will be served several more times throughout the course of Great Lent.
On January 18th and 19th, our parish celebrated the feast of Theophany (please view the video clip above, and pictures here).
On January 17th, our parish successfully raised funds for the Orthodox mission in Haiti.
On January 15th, our parish was visited by the miraculous Kursk Icon of the Mother of God. Pictures are available here.
On January 8th, the second day of the Nativity of Christ, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, celebrated Divine Liturgy at St Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff, NY. He was joined by its Rector, Protopriest Serafim Gan, Chancellor of the Synod of Bishops and Personal Secretary of the First Hierarch; Protodeacon Paul Wolkow; Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky, Assistant to the Chancellor; and Deacon Eugene Kallaur, Synodal Archivist.
Also praying at the service were Protopriest Leonid Kishkovsky, Rector of neighboring Kazan Church and Deputy Director of the Department of External Church Relations of the Orthodox Church in America, and Priest Alexandre Antchoutine, Rector of Intercession Church in nearby Glen Cove, NY. The parish choir sang joyfully under the direction of Nicholas Miro. During the pre-Communion sticherion, the Rector read the Nativity Epistle of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.
At the end of Liturgy, His Eminence Vladyka addressed the worshipers, after which he performed a funerary litiya at the coffin of the late Dr Panteleimon Leonidovich Shohov, one of the founders of the parish and an important leader of the Russian diaspora. He had always fervently supported Russian Orthodoxy, including the reestablishment of unity within the Local Russian Orthodox Church. (Readers can hear the Divine Liturgy in the audio section.)
During the trapeza that followed, Fr Serafim and Fr Leonid greeted those in attendance. In his speech, Fr Serafim congratulated Vladyka Hilarion on the continuing celebration of the Nativity of Christ, and his recent birthday. Fr Serafim asked His Eminence to pray for the parishioners of St Serafim Church, so that they may always please His Eminence and the Church of Christ. Despite the fact that many are departing to the next world, such as Panteleimon Leonidovich, people who labored to preserve Russia outside her borders, we believe and hope that the Lord helps us emulate our predecessors, the founders of the Russian Church Abroad, and zealots of Holy Russia who live abroad. This is, after all, our calling, noted the Parish Rector, and our prayers for this ideal must not cease. The parish choir then sang carols and other songs celebrating the Nativity of Christ.
The funeral of Panteleimon Leonidovich was performed later that evening at St Seraphim Church, with the burial taking place the next day at the cemetery of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS
The editorial staff extends Nativity Greetings to all its parishioners and worshippers at St. Seraphim’s Parish, and to all the visitors of our website, wishing all a joyous Christmas. May the light from the star of Bethlehem light our homes, our workplace, our souls, our parish. Through good deeds and words may this light, in concert with God's grace, warm us in the New Year!
December 18th: On the day of Saint Nicholas, protodeacon Paul Wolkow participated in divine services presided by Bishop Longin (Serbian Orthodox Church) who served a hierarchal Liturgy in the New Gracanica Monastery (Chicago) along with a number of Serbian and Russian clergy. On that day, the Bishop ordained Nikolaj Kostur into the rank of a deacon. Nikolaj is a graduate of the Holy Trinity Seminary and of Saint Vladimir's Seminary. We wish deacon Nikolaj and his wife Katherine Kostur (Wolkow) many fruitful years of service to Christ’s church.
After the Liturgy a festive lunch followed in honor of the Bishop's Slava and of Deacon Nikolaj's ordination.
On May 17th, 2007, the day of the Ascension of the Lord, the historical Act of Canonical Communion between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Moscow Patriarchate was signed in Moscow by His Holiness Patriarch Alexii II of Moscow and All Russia and His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, of blessed memories.
With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, we have begun a unique iconography project to adorn the walls of St. Seraphim's Church. With this, we hope our church shall become a worthy commemorative monument dedicated to the millennial path of the Russian Orthodox Church, from the baptism of Russia to the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion, reuniting the two parts of the Russian Church.
Our parish was a favorite place of worship and serving divine services by blessed Metropolitan Anastasii (Gribanovsky; +1965) and His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, of blessed memories. Saint John Maximovich of Shanghi, whose relic is kept in our church, had also served numerous Divine Liturgies. Archbishop Averky (Taushev), in the autumn of 1953 along with then hierodeacon Laurus, blessed the foundation of our church, and then performed the Great Consecration (with hieromonk Laurus participating). He was referred to as the “godparent” of the Russian church in Sea Cliff. For many years Father Mitrofan Znosko-Borovsky (+ 2002) resided here as parish rector, who later became the bishop of Boston.
On August 1, 2009, His Eminence blessed the newly completed fresco before the altar (please see the picture above). We are now beginning to adorn the walls of the altar which will depict:
Saint Seraphim of Sarov – our patron saint;
Saint Mitrofan, Bishop of Voronezh – in memory of our long time rector Bishop Mitrofan of Boston, who always supported the idea of reconciliation;
Saint Alexei, Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia – in memory of His Holiness Patriarch Alexeii II;
Saint John, Bishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, whose holiness had touched not only North America, but also three centers of Russian emigration: Belgrade, Shanghai-Harbin and Paris, and whose sober views helped many of those who doubted the benefits of the act of reconciliatory unity, to reexamine their personal view points towards the Moscow Patriarchate and other Orthodox Churches;
Saint Anthony the Roman – in memory of Blessed Metropolitan Anthony (Hrapovitski; +1936) and Archbishop Anthony (Medvedev) of Western America and San Francisco;
Holy martyr Laurus – in memory of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus;
Holy martyr Athanasii – Abbott of Brest, a most venerated saint of our parish;
Saint Onufri the Great – on whose day of memory Bishop Mitrofan was ordained a priest.
The Mother of God of the Sign will be depicted in the alter apse as the Protectress of Russians abroad. Upon the altar ceiling above the iconostasis the Ascension of Our Lord will be depicted, as on this feast day the Act of Canonical Reconciliation was signed. In the main part of the church – from the main entrance to the cupola – there will be a depiction of the Millenium of Russian Orthodoxy: from the Baptism of Russia up to and ending with the signing of the Act of Reconciliation in Moscow.
Also featured will be: Saint Apostle Andrew (in memory of Andrew Gevorgian, killed in the Lockerbie terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 107), Equal to the Apostles Vladimir and Olga, the Holy Kiev and Moscow saints, the saints of the synodal period, his Holiness Patriarch Tikhon, the Holy New martyrs and Confessors of Russia, and the saints of Russian Orthodoxy Abroad.
All of these saints will be depicted in a historical context, featuring churches and holy sites in Russia and Abroad.
It is towards the continued success of the above project that I call upon all of you whose hearts and souls burn with love and fervor toward the Russian Orthodox church, toward the glorious pages of its history, toward the many burdens of its peoples, toward her culture, to answer the call of this worthy project by donating funds. The approximate cost of a square foot of fresco in the church is $150 US dollars. The names of all the donating participants along with their living and deceased relatives will be entered into a special commemorative book. All donors will be kept regularly updated as work progresses.
May this fresco be an everlasting witness to our Orthodoxy and Russian culture, so that both would grow inseparably within our future generations abroad. May this church become a place of prayerful commemoration of all those who kept and multiplied the spiritual treasures and sacred Russian Orthodox ideals, while living through difficult times abroad.
With Love in the Lord, asking for your prayers,
Archpriest Serafim Gan, parish rector.
On Sunday, November 22, 2009, at 5 pm, at Intercession Parish Hall in Glen Cove, NY, a presentation was made on the historic visit of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God to Russia. Members of the Synodal delegation Protopriest Serafim Gan, Rector of St Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff; Protopriest George Zelenin, Rector of Archangel Michael Church in Paterson, NJ; and Priest Alexandre Antchoutine, Rector of Intercession Church, told of the preparations for this historic visit, the meetings, the holy sites visited and the veneration of the icon by the faithful. Deacon Eugene Kallaur, Archivist of the Synod of Bishops and clergyman of St Seraphim Church, made a presentation of photographs and videos of the event. Protopriest Leonid Kishkovsky, Rector of Kazan Icon of the Mother of God Church in Sea Cliff (OCA) and the parishioners of the three parishes were in attendance.
At the end of the event, it was announced that next year, the Kursk-Root Icon may visit Kiev and Kursk. This will be arranged by clerics of the German Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia headed by His Eminence Archbishop Mark (www.rocor.org).
October 22nd By the Blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, St. Seraphim’s rector and clergy participated in the divine liturgy at Our Lady of Kazan Church in Sea Cliff, celebrating the parish feast day. His Beatitude the Most Blessed Jonah Archbishop of Washington Metropolitan of All America and Canada presided along with parish rector Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky and other guest clergy. During the liturgy, priest John Bartholomew was elevated to the rank of Archpriest. His Beatitude awarded rector Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky the Silver Medal Cross of St Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomensk, for 40 years of pastoral service. Matushka Alexandra was also recognized as a devoted wife and hard working supporter of her husband in his pastoral deeds. During the luncheon, St. Seraphim’s clergy received blessings from his Beatitude and congratulated him with his 50th Birthday. A letter from his Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion was handed to His Beatitude at this time. After the luncheon guest clergy were invited to visit St. Seraphim’s church. See photos here.
October 18th, The Feast of the First Moscow Hierarchs Divine Liturgy was served after which Father Serafim said a sermon on the Sacrament of Communion. Despite the poor weather, a successful Octoberfest luncheon was held thanks to our hard working sisterhood. God Bless!
October 11th, After Divine Liturgy Father Serafim congratulated Nicholas and Marina Miro along with Peter and Sofia Jarostchuk with their Silver Wedding Anniversaries. Both couples received commemorative gifts from the parish after which Many Years were sung to the anniversary and names day celebrants. Congratulatory wishes were also extended to church warden Michael and Alla Ryl who had also celebrated their Silver Anniversary a week prior. We wish them all Good Health and Divine Blessings.
October 4th, On the Apodosis of the Exaltation of the Cross and Uncovering of the Relics of St. Demetrius, Metropolitan of Rostov, our parish rector and clergy served Divine Liturgy. Father Serafim’s homily reflected the teachings that we all have a cross to bear, whether through illness or failures in life, personal strife amongst ourselves, or the loss of a loved one. Each one of us has to endure this cross with a patient sufferance, remembering our Divine Cross bearer. During lunch Father Serafim spoke about the historic trip of The ROCOR Delegates and the Kursk-Root Icon of The Mother of God, to Russia. Upon completion of the discussion the remaining parishioners and worshippers greeted the Kursk Icon of the Root upon its arrival and a moleben was served. Afterwards Father Serafim left with the Icon to California where She will be for the next 2 months.
September 20-21st The Feast of the Nativity of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. Our parish was visited by the Myrrh Streaming icon from Russia “Softening of evil Hearts”, which was visiting the ROCOR parishes. Divine Liturgy was served by priest Michael Vladimirov, visiting clergy and a multitude of worshippers. We thank Our Lord that He continues to bless our parish by the Grace of His Heavenly Mother and Her Icon.
September 6th Clergy and parishioners travelled to the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York, where a new tombstone was blessed in the monastery cemetery for Bishop Mitrofan (Znosko-Borovsky), who reposed in 2002.
August 28th The Feast of the Dormition marked the first day for our newest altar boy 6 year old Dimitri Makarow, who began serving on his birthday.
On Friday, August 21, the miraculous "Hawaiian" myrrh-streaming Iveron icon of the Mother of God visited the Holy Virgin Protection Parish in Nyack, New York. The icon is a replica of the Iveron Icon that Brother Jose Munoz-Cortes received on Mount Athos, which became a myrrh-streaming as well as healing icon. Brother Jose traveled to many Orthodox parishes with the "Montreal" Iveron Icon of the Theotokos until his martyrdom in Greece in 1997. With his death, the miraculous Icon disappeared. With reverence and faith toward the Mother of God, many copies of the icon were printed.
The "Hawaiian" icon was printed in Russia by Sofrino - a large producer of Orthodox icons, vestments, church articles, and other clerical items. The icon, laminated on a wooden backing, was given by rector Priest Anatole Lyovin to his Reader Nectarios of the Orthodox Church in Honolulu, which incidentally was named in honor of the original Iveron Icon of Montreal.
With the blessing of Archbishop Kirill of San Francisco, and with a ukase from the Synod of ROCOR, Reader Nectarios travels to all ROCOR, OCA, Greek, Serbian, and Antiochan Orthodox Churches with the myrrh-streaming icon. The icon was greeted by the rector, Mitred Archpriest George Larin, and hundreds of faithful who filled the church to capacity for an akathist and moleben to the Holy Virgin. The rector was co-served by Archpriest Alexander Donchenko (Poughkeepsie, NY), Protodeacon Pavel Wolkow (Sea Cliff, NY), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (Novo-Diveevo, NY) and Deacon Nathan Mousselli (Lakewood, NJ). (www.eadiocese.org)
On Saturday, August 1, on the feast of the Finding of the Relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Seraphim's Church in Sea Cliff, NY, in honor of the parish feast day. His Eminence was co-served by a multitude of clergy in the presence of many faithful. After the Divine Liturgy, a procession around the church was held, after which His Eminence blessed a new icon on the high place of the altar. This icon is the first of many which will adorn the walls of St. Seraphim's Church as part of a unique iconography project, dedicated to the millennial path of the Russian Orthodox Church, from the baptism of Russia to the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion, which reunited the two parts of the Russian Church. A gramota from the Metropolitan was then awarded to the parish sisterhood, led by head sister A.N. Ryl, for their zealous work in the Holy Church. A plentiful luncheon was held on the parish grounds, during which congratulatory remarks were offered to the parish and its rector, Archpriest Serafim Gan, who is celebrating his namesday today. Pictures can be seen here. (www.eadiocese.org)
The editorial staff of our parish website extends whole hearted greetings to our clergy, altar servers, council members and sisterhood, choir members, parishioners and all worshippers at our Saint Seraphims parish in Sea Cliff and all visitors of our website with the Great and Joyous Feast of Holy Pascha! CHRIST IS RISEN! TRULY HE IS RISEN!
March 3rd His eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, visited our parish and served the great compline with the reading of the Canon of St Andrew.
February 21st-22nd The Holy Kursk-Root Icon of Our Lady of the Sign was present during divine services. Sunday evening, a delegation headed by Hegumen Veniamin (Korolev), Prior of the city of Kursk’s Korennaya Pustyn, arrived to New York and went directly to our parish from JFK airport. The Parish Warden, Michael Ryl, met the delegation at the entrance to the church. The delegation prayed here before the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God and the holy icons of St Seraphim church. A reception was then given in honor of the guests, during which greetings and gifts were exchanged.
February 15th The Presentation of Our Lord. Divine Liturgy was presided by His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan.
February 12th Our rector and parish clergy participated in the divine liturgy and holiday festivities of The Three Hierarchs Church in Garfield, NJ, with rector and Archpriest George Konev presiding. (see their website)
January 27th His Eminence Kyrill, Metropolitan of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, is elected as the new Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia. On this day of the feast day of Saint Nina Equal-to-the-Apostles, Enlightener of the Georgians, Father Seraphim and clergy participated in the divine liturgy at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church in Elizabeth, New Jersey (which commemorates St. Sava of Serbia). Protopriests Lubomir Milosevic, Sergei Lukianov, and deacon Leonid Rozhkov conserved with St. George’s church rector Priest Zoran Radovic.
January 25th Divine Liturgy was presided by Hieromonk Joasaph (MacLellan) who was recently appointed by the Synod of Bishops as the Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, will assume his duties and will be based at the Ascension Convent on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.
January 18th - 19th Epiphany services were joyously celebrated.
January 15th The Winter feast of Saint Seraphim of Sarov was celebrated with a , divine liturgy. Conserving with our rector and clergy were Protopriest Sergii Lukianov, hieromonk Evtihii (Dovganuk) and deacon Leonid Rozhkov. Father Alexander Antouchine was also present in the Alter. Protopriest Elias Gorsky participated in vesper services on the feast day eve.
January 7th, Christmas Day Festive divine services were held in our parish by our rector Protopriest Serafim Gan along with other clergy and Protodeacon Pavel Wolkow, Deacons Nicholas Olhovsky and Eugene Kallaur, supported by our choir under the direction of Nicholas Miro. See photos here. Listen to the audio here.
On Saturday, December 6, 2008, the feast day of St Mitrophan of Voronezh, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion celebrated Divine Liturgy at St Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff, NY, during which he commemorated the late Patriarch Alexy and Bishop Mitrophan, the long-time rector of the church. During the minor entrance at Divine Liturgy, His Eminence awarded the kamilavka to Protodeacon Paul Wolkoff and the double orarion to Deacon Eugene Kallaur. At the end of Liturgy, His Eminence gave a sermon during which said, in part:
“Reverend fathers, dear in the Lord brothers, sisters and children! Today we gathered to pray for the repose of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy and His Grace Bishop Mitrophan, the long-time rector of this church. One served God and mankind in the Fatherland, helping the rebirth of spirituality and restoring the Russian Orthodox Church, which had suffered grievously during the period of godless persecutions. The other labored for the preservation and growth of the great legacy that has been handed down to us, to return it one day to Russia when she would be emancipated from the atheistic regime.
“We know that the entire course of his life as Patriarch of Russia, and the lifetime of service of Vladyka Mitrophan, everything we saw in them bore witness to spiritual podvig and to the internal, blessed state which a person acquires when he firmly believes in God, when he forgets himself, when he belongs entirely to the One he serves and that for which he labors. Their humility and grand strictness, their patience and measured nature, were the foundation and the fruit of spiritual life. They keenly sensed the will of God in their souls. I believe that in all things they feared disturbing spiritual peace in which God is revealed. They moved onto the heavenly abode from our tempestuous world, a world in which they preserved undisturbed peace.
“The years of the patriarchal service of His Holiness Alexy was a period of establishing ecclesiastical peace. His love and wisdom, the humility and podvig of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus once again united the two parts of the Russian Orthodox Church in love, for which Bishop Mitrophan prayed and dreamed before dying in 2002.
“Praying for the souls of the reposed, we also address them with the words: ‘I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me’ (2 Kings 2:9). Amen.
Protopriest Serafim Gan, the Parish Rector, greeted the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, stressing that “the clergy and flock of the Church, raising our prayers today for the repose of the souls of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy and Bishop Mitrophan, also prayed that the Lord erect new pillars for us such as they were.” The Rector then recounted one of his conversations with the late Metropolitan Laurus, whom he once asked: ‘Isn’t it difficult for you to bear the burden of your First-Hierarchal service without your heroes, who have passed on into eternity, specifically Archbishop Vitaly [Maximenko, +1960], Archbishop Anthony [Medvedev, +2000], Archimandrite Kyprian [Pyzhov, +2002] and others?’ The Primate responded that we must follow their example, we must become as they were, and pray for their souls, thereby drawing strength in fulfilling our duty.” In conclusion, Fr Serafim asked the First Hierarch’s prayers and expressed confidence that “the Lord, the Head of the Church, will always lead people who worthily carry His work forward.”
During the trapeza that followed, Fr Serafim announced that a collection is being made to paint frescoes in the church, which will illustrate the entire 1000-year path of the Russian Orthodox Church, from the Baptism of Rus to the signing of the Act of Canonical Communion in Moscow. This way, God willing, St Seraphim Church will be the first church in the diaspora to memorialize the reestablishment of church unity and those who contributed to this great work. Protopriest Sergei Lukianov then shared his memories of the late Bishop Mitrophan, and Priest Zoran Radovic, a clergyman of the Serbian Orthodox Church, spoke a few words about the newly-reposed Patriarch Alexy.
A Youth Symposium on St
John of Kronstadt Is Held at the Synod of Bishops and St Nicholas
Cathedral
On
October 25-26, 2008, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan
Hilarion, the Synodal Youth Department held a symposium on the 100th
anniversary of the death of St John of Kronstadt.
Students from Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville were in attendance,
as were young people from New York and other US cities. Each one
of them, as a rule, is an active participant in parish life, fulfilling
one obligation or another to help their parish.
Priests from the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the
Moscow Patriarchate, Fr Joakim Provatakis and Protopriest Alexander
Abramov, gave lectures on the life, podvigi and spiritual labors
of the saint.
Fr Alexander spoke of the life lessons of the "All-Russian
Batiushka" and the meaning of his podvig in contemporary church
life. Fr Joakim told of the theological significance of one of the
main works of St John, My Life in Christ. The speakers noted that
the life and work of St John are infused with striving towards God,
genuine sympathy for the suffering, true earnestness, and attention
to seemingly insignificant aspect of the spiritual life. It is the
fervor of his faith, the lack of indifference, the burning prayerful
attitude towards the Creator that brought Fr John the fame as a
great man of prayer even during his lifetime, and after his death
placed him as one of the most revered of Russian saints.
The young participants visited the Russian Consulate in New York
and spoke with Consul General Sergei Viktorovich Garmonin. The Russian
diplomat told them about the role of consulates, referring to the
preservation of culture and the protection of the rights of citizens.
SV Garmonin pointed out the fruits brought by the cooperation of
diplomatic missions of Russia and the Church now that the unity
of Orthodoxy has become a fact. The Ambassador then answered questions.
That evening the youth prayed at all-night vigil at St Nicholas
Cathedral of the Moscow Patriarchate. Officiating at the service
was His Grace Bishop Merkury of Zaraisk, Administrator of the Patriarchal
Parishes in the US. The choir consisted of an assemblage of young
singers.
An icon of St John was specially brought from the Cathedral of Our
Lady of the Sign at the Synod of Bishops, along with the saint's
cassock, as well as his kamilavka, which was brought from St Seraphim
Church in Sea Cliff, NY, by Protodeacon Paul Wolkow.
At the end of the service, the participants were offered a trapeza,
during which Bishop Merkury and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergei
Ivanovich Kisliak warmly addressed the youth.
The next day, for the first time since the signing of the Act of
Canonical Communion in May of last year, with the blessing of His
Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, Bishop Merkury of Zaraisk officiated
at Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral.
A prayerful mood was created by the wonderful singing of the youth,
most of whom have been singing in the kliros for some years. The
choir was directed by Peter A Fekula.
At the end of Divine Liturgy, Vladyka Merkury delivered a sermon,
reminding the faithful of the purpose and aim of the holy life is.
He noted that "Fr John's entire life was devoted to one goal-to
serve the Word of God, and the Word of God is the Gospel, which
is the 'good news' of the Kingdom of Heaven brought to us by the
Lord Himself. Fr John took upon himself the great labor of preaching,
of bringing the Divine words to mankind." Bishop Merkury emphasized
that "the all-Russian pastor's mission is especially clear
now, when the Word of God is proclaimed with great difficulty, even
though there are no more persecutions of Orthodox Christians. Now
the enemy of mankind is wielding new weapons to prevent the Divine
Word from permeating our hearts, tempting people with so-called
freedom, with satiation, wealth, dissolution. Now we must struggle
with ourselves, and sometimes this is more difficult than resisting
open persecution."
In conclusion, Vladyka called upon the participants of the symposium
and the parishioners gathered for Divine Liturgy to keep from letting
the flame within us extinguish, which warms us ever since the Mystery
of our Baptism occurred, not to lose focus, but to piously stoke
love for God in our hearts, and prepare ourselves to meet God. Source:
Official
ROCOR site.
By the Blessing of His Eminence
Metropolitan Hilarion First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church
Outside of Russia, on December 6th Divine Liturgy
will be presided by his Eminence Mark, Archbishop of Berlin and
Germany, and his Eminence Kirill, Archbishop of San Francisco and
Western America.
On
October 16th, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion visited
the headquarters of the Orthodox Church in America, where he was
warmly greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and
Canada; His Grace Bishop Tikhon of Eastern Pennsylvania; His Grace
Bishop Benjamin of Western America; Protopriest Alexander Garklavs;
clergymen of St Sergius of Radonezh Church and members of the OCA
Administration. Venerating the numerous holy icons and relics of
St Sergius Church, His Eminence was given a tour of the premises
and the archives. During lunch, Metropolitan Hilarion expressed
his wish for divine aid in the All-American Council to be held in
November, and told the hosts of the missionary work of the Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and about the Diocese of Australia
and New Zealand.
As he bid farewell to the First Hierarch, Archbishop Seraphim expressed
gratitude for his visit and kind attentions.
Also participating in the meeting was Fr Serafim Gan, the Director
of the Synodal Chancery of the Synod of Bishops and the Personal
Secretary of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside
of Russia.(source: Official
ROCOR website).
On September 13-16th, His Grace Bishop
Peter of Cleveland, Administrator of the Diocese of Chicago and
the Midwest, accompanied by Protopriest Seraphim Gan, Priest Liubomir
Kupec, Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky and Reader Eugene Hrihoriak, visited
the Orthodox Church in Slovakia. (source: Official
ROCOR website).
On September 10th, a delegation of the
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, headed by His Grace Bishop
Peter of Cleveland, had arrived in Prague. Venerating the altar
table of Assumption Church at the Russian cemetery, the delegation
headed for the city of Brno. There, on the feast day of the Beheading
of St John the Baptist, Bishop Peter and the members of the delegation
participated in Divine Liturgy headed by His Eminence Archbishop
Simeon of Moravia at the Church of St Wenceslas of the Czech Lands.
It is worth noting that two great men of piety participated in its
consecration: Holy Hierarch-Martyr Gorazd of Czech and Moravia and
St Justin (Popovich).
After the divine service, Bishop Peter gave Archbishop
Simeon a portion of the relics of St John of Shanghai and San Francisco
for the Orthodox church in Brno. In his greeting, Protopriest Josef
Feisak, the church's Rector, remembered the late Metropolitan Laurus
of blessed memory, who loved to visit the region, and expressed
his pleasure at the concelebration held on this day, which became
possible because of the restoration last year of the fullness of
brotherly communion within the one Local Russian Orthodox Church.
At the end, Fr Josef introduced the members of the delegation, and
gave Bishop Peter a part of the holy relics of St Ludmila of Bohemia.
Then, at the parish hall, the Rector hosted a luncheon in honor
of Archbishop Simeon, Bishop Peter and the other guests.
Bidding farewell to Archbishop Simeon and Fr Josef,
Bishop Peter and those with him returned to Prague, where they visited
with His Beatitude Metropolitan Krystof, the Primate of the Orthodox
Church of the Czech Lands and Slovakia, who joyfully welcomed them
to dinner in his residence. His Grace Bishop Melety of Hotins, Vicar
of the Chernovtsy and Bukovino Diocese was also in attendance.
Bishop Peter was accompanied by Protopriest
Serafim Gan, Priest Lubomir Kupec, Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky and
Reader Eugene Hrihoriak.
August
1st On the feast day of St. Seraphim,
Wonderworker of Sarov, amid a large crowd of parishioners and visitors,
His Grace, Bishop John of Caracas, Administrator of the Parishes
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russian in South America,
presided over the Divine Liturgy at St. Seraphim's Church, in Sea
Cliff, New York, concelebrating with clergy of the Diocese of Eastern
America and other dioceses of the Russian Church Abroad, and of
the Moscow Patriarchate; and on the eve of the feast, he celebrated
the vigil service and the congregational chanting of the Akathist
Hymn to St. Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov. During the communion
of the clergy, Protopriest George Kallaur delivered the sermon,
and after the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy and the service of
supplication with a procession around the church, His Grace, Bishop
John, addressed words of greeting and edification to those present.
At the festal meal, set forth through the efforts of A. N. Ryl,
and the parish sisterhood, Protopriest Seraphim Gan, the parish
rector, welcomed Bishop John, and then, turning to the parishioners
and visitors, said the following: "Today there springs unbidden
to mind the words which, as I have noted, are inscribed on the outside
of the western wall in certain churches in Russia: 'Let thine eyes
be open upon this temple day and night.' Interpreting these words
as applying to ourselves, we must always keep the temple of God
before our eyes, when we experience sorrow and grief, as well as
when we have joy. If joy, then we must thank God for the joy we
have received. And if you and I experience grief, misfortune and
temptation, we must ask God to allay our grief, our sorrow and misfortune,
and for help in overcoming temptations. Then
will it become clear to us that our Christian eyes must be open
upon the church day and night. I offer you these thoughts, my dear
ones, today on our parish feast, so that, having been sweetened
by the Church's prayer in the temple of God and found consolation
in those remarkable words I have reminded you of, you may store
them up in your hearts. Then they may help us attain spiritual perfection."
The feast was greatly uplifting, and many people attended, despite
the fact that it fell on a weekday. The most impressive moments
of the divine services were the choir's singing, under the direction
of T. M. Zhukova, of Muzychesky's "Cherubic Hymn", Sokolov's
"A Mercy of Peace", and Bortyansky's "Let God Arise"
(during the communion of the clergy).
On August 2nd, Bishop John departed for Erie, and for the
reception of official personages and other guests the rector and
warden opened the new meeting hall, which has been constructed in
one of the buildings on the parish property. The new hall had been
consecrated before the opening of the regular session of the parish
council.
On
August 3rd, the rector of St. Seraphim's Church concelebrated
the Divine Liturgy with the Dean of the Bavaria-Hesse Circuit of
the Moscow Patriarchate's Diocese of Berlin & Germany, Protopriest
Peter Stepanov, together with Protodeacons Paul Wolkow and Vadim
Gan, and Deacons Nicholas Ol'khovsky and Eugene Kallaur. Following
the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the protopriests exchanged
words of greeting. After the banquet, Protopriest Peter Stepanov
told the parishioners about himself, his family, the course of his
life, and his ministry in the Holy Church, both in Russia and in
Germany, where he is now the rector of the Church of St. Xenia the
Blessed, in Nuremburg.
Organized
with the blessing of Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan
Sermons on
all Presanctified and Saturday Liturgies during Great Lent will
focus on the teachings of Christ's Beatitudes from the Sermon on
the Mount. Discussions will be held every Sunday after Liturgy on
various church and spiritual topics. See the new schedule here.
March
30th, The Week of the Veneration of the Holy Cross - Divine
Liturgy was presided by Archpriest Michael Boikov - Diocesan and
personal secretary to His Eminence Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney,
Australia and New Zealand - Acting President of the Synod of Bishops
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Conserving were
parish rector Father Serafim, protodeacons Pavel Wolkow, deacons
Eugene Kallaur and Nikolai Olhovsky-personal aide of newly departed
First Hierarch Metropolitan Laurus. An edifying sermon was said
by Father Michael during liturgy followed by a discussion on Lent
by Father Serafim in the parish hall.
March 29th, The editorial staff of our
website wishes to express their condolences to the family of Dimitri
K. Mokhoff- a long time parish member, who passed away today.
March
23rd, The Most Reverend Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and
the Western Diocese presided at the Divine Liturgy. Conserving were
our parish rector, deacons Eugene Kallaur and Alexander Reznikov-
a cleric of the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington D.C.
During trapeza Father Serafim shared his memories of our newly departed
Hierarch and also congratulated parishioner G.M. Sazonova with her
Names day. A meeting of the parish sisterhood followed. See photos
here.
On this day protodeacon Pavel Wolkow, by request
of Archpriest Serge Loukianov, served at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox
Church in Red Bank, NJ, where His Eminence Metropolitan Onufry of
Chernovitsa and Bukovina presided the Divine Liturgy. See photos
here: www.stnicholasredbank.com
March 16th, On the Triumph of Orthodoxy
His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus passed away. Father Serafim, clergy
and parishioners participated in the funeral services. An Ukase
by the Chief Deputy and acting President of the Synod of Bishops
His Eminence Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney, Australia and New Zealand,
appoints Father Serafim as assistant to Archpriest Michael Boikov-personal
secretary to his Eminence. See He
Taught Others Humility: On the Passing of Metropolitan Laurus
March 9th, Forgiveness Sunday- Parish Blini
festivities were a great success thanks to the hard work of our
Sisterhood and chief sister A.N.Ryl
March 4th, Maria D. Sampsidis passed away. The editorial
staff of our website wishes to express their feelings of sorrow
and condolences to her husband and family for their loss.
February 18th - 29th, Father Serafim accompanied Metropolitan
Laurus to Moscow. Also accompanying them was George Selinsky parishioner
and personal photographer to His Eminence. See pictures and reports
at www.synod.com
February
17th - 18th, Father Serafim conserved Divine Liturgy with His
Eminence Metropolitan Laurus at the Saint Archangel Michael Church
in Cannes, France.
February 16th, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus visited the
Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicholas in Nice, France, where
he venerated the holy icons of the church, after which he visited
the chapel built on the site of the repose of Tsarevich Nicholas
Alexandrovitch, and viewed the museum of the Cathedral. His Eminence
and his fellow travelers were met by the Cathedral's rector, clergymen
singers and parishioners. After viewing the Cathedral grounds, they
shared a trapeza.
February 15th, Our rector, clergy
and parishioners commemorated the passing of Bishop Mitrofan (Znosko-Borovsky;
+ 2002.) Newly appointed cleric deacon Eugene Kallaur began serving
in our St.Seraphims parish on this day.
In
the beginning of February 2008, Deacon Eugene Kallaur, a Synodal
employee and cleric of the Holy Trinity Monastery, will be moving
to Sea Cliff with his family and will be assigned to the clergy
of St. Seraphim's Parish. We congratulate Father Deacon Eugene on
his new assignment and wish him strength from above in his service
to the Holy Church of Christ! Father Eugene is married and has 2
children. We are happy to greet his wife, Ekaterina, along with
his children Kiprian and Matrona, newest members of our parish!
6-7
January Christmas services in our parish were gloriously celebrated.
Attending the All Night Vigil service was Father Michael Myasnikov,
the new Treasurer of the Orthodox Church of America, who prayed
in the Altar. Our neighboring parish priests, Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky
and Rev. John Bartholemew attended and prayed with us the following
morning. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, at which approximately
150 people received the Holy Communion, Father Serafim
read the Christmas Epistle of His Holiness Alexy II Patriarch of
Moscow and All Russia, and then greeted all with the Joyous and
Triumphant Feast of our Saviors Jesus Christ's Birth. A gift of
the icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was painted in
Kursk, the homeland of our patron saint, St. Seraphim of Sarov,
was presented to our parish. Father Leonid Kishkovsky, on behalf
of his Our Lady of Kazan Church parishioners, wished everyone happy
holidays. At the parish reception offered by our Sisterhood, choir
members sang Christmas carols, after which the children were visited
by Santa Claus. The first two days of Christmas, Father Serafim
with a group of parishioners, visited many parishioners in their
homes where they greeted all with a short prayer and the singing
of church Christmas hymns and carols. Look at photos here.
Listen to the festal services here (All-Night
Vigil, Liturgy).
Read the Christmas Epistles of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy and
His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus here
and here.
31 December a New Years moleben was served
in our parish. We greet all parishioners and visitors to our website
with a Happy New Year and wish all good health and God's grace!
19 December Father Serafim, Protodeacon
Pavel and a group of parishioners participated in the parish festivities
of Saint Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York.
Father Serafim and Protodeacon Pavel concelebrated with His Grace
Mercurius Bishop of Zaraisk and His Grace Bishop Ilarion of Vienna
and Austria, and a multitude of clergy from various Orthodox Churches.
Prior to venerating the cross Father Serafim extended greetings
from His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus to His Grace Bishop Mercurius
and his parishioners.
24-25
November The Divine Liturgy in our parish was presided by Hieromonk
Nikolai (Perekrestov) who until recently was serving in the monasteries
of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, and is presently
fulfilling his pastoral services at the Synodal Cathedral. Conserving
with Father Nikolai was our parish rector along with Protodeacon
Pavel Wolkow and deacon Nikolai (Olhovsky) personal aide to His
Eminence Metropolitan Laurus. After the Prayer of dismissal Father
Nikolai Perekrestov served a small memorial litany commemorating
the 15 year arch pastoral installation of blessed memory Bishop
Mitrophan along time rector of our parish, after which he said an
edifying sermon. After liturgy Father Serafim greeted Father Nikolai
and presented him with a token memorial gift - a book on The History
of Our Parish. After veneration of the Cross, church warden M.S.
Ryl and his wife and head of our sisterhood invited all to a Names
day meal marking his past patron saints day.
24
November Father Serafim, Protodeacon Pavel and a group of parishioners
attended a funeral service for newly departed reader Cyril Galitzine
who passed away suddenly on Thanksgiving Day. Funeral services and
internment were presided by Their Graces Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan
and Bishop Peter of Cleveland at the Novodiveevo monastery and convent
in Spring Valley, New York. His sudden death was a shock to all.
Let us all strive more to cherish, love and respect one another
and act with dignity and understanding towards each other, be patient
with one another's ineptness', and help them thru patience and support
as "We all follow in Gods footsteps". Therefore we all
may lose someone when we least expect it.
Eternal Rest Grant of Lord to your
departed servant Cyril, and May Christ our God and Savior grant
strength and good health to his family.
22
November On Thanksgiving, father Serafim attended the liturgy
at Our Lady of Kazan church in Sea Cliff, New York, where the Divine
Liturgy was presided by rector protopriest Leonid Kishkovsky along
with other orthodox clergy. Later that day a Thanksgiving moleben
service was served at our parish by Father Serafim and Father Alexander
Morozov- protopriest and rector of Saint John the Forerunner cathedral
in Canberra, Australia, and protodeacon Pavel Wolkow. Before venerating
the Cross our rector said the following sermon: "Thru the example
of one of the 10 healed lepers, who returned and gave thanks to
God, we have to build our Christian lives. We need to give thanks
to God not only for the joys of life, but also for the sadness;
not only for the smiles, but also for the tears; not only for the
our health, but also for our sickness; not only for those who love
us, but those who hate or despise us, because everything that is
given to us, serves to benefit and edify us, serves to save us,
for our happiness. We need to more frequently give ourselves to
Gods hand, trusting Him and thanking Him, and then God in His wisdom
will lay his path before us and grant us all that we need. And so
my dear brothers and sisters in Christ let us not look for just
the "bread and splendor", but of the spiritual worth.
Let us contemplate the purpose of this celebration, giving thanks
to our Lord His mercies and good fortunes to us, let us give thanks
to one another. Amen."
Father Serafim then presented Father Alexander Morozov with a token
gift - a book on the history of our parish, and our starosta Mikhail.S.
Ryl, marking his Names day this past eve, - a book "PREDSTOYATEL"
2006, followed by the singing of Many Years.
18 November Our rector congratulated
Dr. P.L and A.M. Shohov with their 38 year wedding anniversary,
after which the choir under the choir master T.M. Zhukova sang Many
Years. After veneration of the Cross all were invited for sumptuous
Thanksgiving meal offered by our head sister A.N. Ryl and sisterhood.
11 November Church services
in our parish were served by Hieromonk Roman (Krassovsky) with our
rector and protodeacon concelebrating. An edifying sermon was given
by Father Roman at the end of the liturgy.
That
evening father Serafim flew to France. Meeting with church benefactors
in Nice, father Serafim left for Canne to venerate the sanctuary
of the Archangel Michael church and to meet with the parishioners,
and also to visit the ailing and retired Bishop Varnava who was
in the hospital this time where at the request of His Grace, Bishop
Varnava was able to partake in the Sacrament of confession and receive
the Holy Gifts from Father Serafim. On November 14 Father Serafim
departed for London, where he participated in a meeting of all the
benefactors of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.
Also participating at the meeting was Lena S. Zezulin, daughter
of the late S.J. Zezulin, one of our parish builders. Here Father
Serafim presented a report on church wide youth programs. Also discussed
were other church wide issues affecting the church in general. After
the meeting Father Serafim and Father Viktor Potapov along with
Synodal of Bishops diocese workers N.A. Ohotin and E.I. Hrihoriak
visited the Dormition Cathedral in London and rector Father Yaroslav
Belikow. Father Yaroslav showed his guests the new cathedral and
its holy relics. Afterwards Fathers Viktor and Serafim along with
the Synodal workers, met with Protopriest Peter Holodny Treasurer
of The Synod of Bishops. On November 17 Father Serafim left for
New York.
28
October upon completion of the Divine Liturgy and lunch, prepared
by L.V. and E.S. Gurbeloshvilli, a monthly parish-council meeting
was held. In addition to reports from the church warden M.S. Ryl
and treasurer I.G. Kwartiroff, our rector proposed serving a memorial
service on November 17 blessing the newly erected headstone of our
former long time parish rector Bishop Mitrofan (Znosko-Borovsky),
and his matushka Alexandra Semenovna, who passed away in 1989. The
blessing of the headstone coincides with the 15 year anniversary
of Bishop Mitrofan's consecration. This proposal was unanimously
accepted. For the next parish-council meeting our rector will present
a plan for continued beautification of our church and our church
warden will present plans for maintenance of buildings and grounds.
Later that afternoon, Father Serafim and a group of our parish youth
attended the annual Russian Gift of Life Fundraiser. The event was
a great success.
27
October upon completion of All Night Vigil, our parish youth,
having sung beautifully at the service, organized a farewell party
for Andrei Pervychine, who is leaving on the 30 October for Paris,
France, where he resides with his mother and 2 sisters. The evening
was one of warmth and friendship. Andrei is the grandson of our
parish trustee A.L. Zezulin. During his stay in Sea Cliff, Andrei
attended all church services and participated in our parish life.
We wish him the Lord's blessings and all the best in his endeavors.
All our parishioners are asked to remember Valentina
Petrovna Polchaninova in their prayers. Valentina Petrovna was a
long time, much loved and respected teacher at our parish school.
Due to her frail state of health Valentina Petrovna is unable to
attend our services which she misses greatly. It is with thanks
to our Lord that on Saturday October 27 she was able to receive
the Holy Gifts through the sacraments of confession and communion.
May the Lord grant our dear Valentina Petrovna strength, courage
and good health.
21 October upon completion of the Divine Liturgy our rector
attended festivities celebrating the 60th year of our neighboring
parish of Our Lady of Kazan. In attendance at the festivities was
Bishop Benjamin who also presided at the Divine Liturgy at the church
at which time he presented numerous congratulatory decrees and certificates
to the dedicated workers of that parish. Father Serafim had the
opportunity to discuss with Bishop Benjamin many items concerning
the Reunification of the Russian Orthodox Churches and its effect
on the unity of all Orthodox in the USA. Bishop Benjamin also spoke
of the present state of affairs in the Orthodox Church of America.
The reception was held at the Swan Club where the aura of jubilation
was felt among parishioners and friends.
20 October The home of E.Yigit, who had
recently christened her son Timothy in our parish was blessed. We
congratulate Elena with the Grace of God which has entered her home,
and wish her and all her family many mercies and blessings and help
from God. Also that day Father Serafim and protodeacon Pavel Wolkow,
along with a small group of parishioners served a panikhida at the
grave of G.A. Kozyreff, marking the 1st anniversary of her repose.
Galina Arkadievna was beloved by all and was an example to all on
how to lead a Chirstian life. She accepted everything-happiness
and grief- as a gift from God, and, because of this, was always
joyful. Her happiness, like a ray of light and warmth, spread onto
us, allowing us to bear life's burdens. For this we shall never
forget and shall always pray for her. May God grant her eternal
life and rest.
19
October Father Serafim and a group of parishioners attended
the funeral service and internment of Father Emmanuel (Manny) Gratsias,
long time rector of our neighboring Greek parish in Glen Cove. During
the course of 31 years Father Manny dedicated himself to his numerous
flock, and recently had built the beautiful Cathedral of the Resurrection
of Christ along with a parish center in Brookville. Father Manny
was a true pastor, who loved to share his knowledge of the Christ
and His Holy Church. "Woe unto me, if I do not proclaim the
Gospel", writes Apostle Paul. This is the teaching that Father
Emmanuel espoused when he preaching the Gospel to his flock. May
he rest in the Heaven and among the saints! Our parish wishes to
express its deepest sympathies to the family and parishioners of
dear Father Manny, who was always kind to us.
14 October On Sunday The Feast of The Protection
of Holy Virgin, clergy and parishioners of our parish concelebrated
the Divine Liturgy at the Feast day celebration of our neighboring
parish in Glen Cove. The festivities were jubilant. It was wonderful
to see so many of our parishioners among the choir and congregation
on this day.
7 October On Sunday the choir chanted Many
Years to Sergei H. Gurbeloshvilli and Serge P. Shohov, who celebrate
their saint's day on the autumnal feast of St Sergius of Radonezh.
After the trapeza all were invited for a reception at the home of
Panteleymon Leonidovich and Anna Mitrofanovna Shohov in honor of
their son. Father Serafim served a short service of thanksgiving
to the joyous singing of the attendees and blessed the festive table.
In attendance amongst the clergy and guests from St. Seraphim's
Parish and the Holy Protection Church in Glen Cove was Protodeacon
Igor Panachev, a cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in
Manhattan.
On Friday, September 28, 2007, at Holy
Virgin Protection parish hall in Glen Cove, NY (Long Island), an
evening was organized by the parishioners of Protection as well
as St Seraphim Church in nearby Sea Cliff in memory of the countries
which gave Russian refugees succor during the godless regime in
Russia. The evening touched upon the history of the Russian communities
in those countries, the clergy and social figures.
The evening opened with an address by the Rector
of Protection Church, Priest Alexander Antchoutine, who noted that
the main goal of the event was to give the parishioners of the two
churches a chance to meet in a social atmosphere, to remember the
founders of “Russia abroad” and the path which brought them to the
US, where the emigres began to build little pieces of Russia.
Protopriest Serafim Gan, Rector of neighboring
St Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff, then spoke, saying that all of
mankind is called upon to be the “whole race of Adam,” as we sing
in the Paschal canon. The “whole race of Adam” is all of mankind
in Christ. When we pray during Divine Liturgy in church, our thoughts
must concentrate on one thing: prayer to God. Common prayer in church
unites people in Christ, and, as a community, joins it in Christ.
As we leave the church, this wonderful miracle must be continued.
Unfortunately, our lives today have become so that people do not
find the time nor the energy to commune with one another. That is
why people like Archbishop Sergij of Prague have called social communion
a podvig.
In conclusion, Fr Serafim called upon all those
in attendance to try to find more time and strength to commune with
one another. For in our difficult circumstances abroad, Russians
preserve their faith, their language and the wealthy Russian culture
only within the Church, in communion with one another. There is
no other path for us, which the experience of our ancestors shows,
our ancestors who created that which we enjoy today.
In the course of the evening, the participants
reminisced as they viewed an exhibition of photographs organized
by a group of parishioners of both churches. The most heartening
aspect of the evening, as AN Ryl, the Senior Sister of St Seraphim
Church, noted, was the presence of an especially large contingent
of young people, our faithful and moral successors. The next day,
after all-night vigil at St Seraphim Church, the youth gathered
for a discussion on spiritual matters led by the Rector, after which
refreshments were offered.
Parishioners would like to thank N.G. Fekula,
S.M. Pompeii, O. Tarasova, S.P. Shohov, I.A. Gan, and their helpers
who organized this evening of reminiscing between the parishioners
of the Russian churches on Long Island!
September 23rd, prior to venerating the
Cross, parishioners congratulated and wished Many Years to Anna
Wolkow and Anna Slobodskoy who celebrated on the 22nd, Sts. Joachim
and Anna, their Names day. Upon dismissal from the Divine Liturgy
a short memorial Litany was served for Of Blessed memory Archbishop
Anthony of San Francisco and West America, who reposed on this day
7 years ago.
A surprise 60 year birthday party honoring Alexander Kwartiroff
was also held in the parish hall that evening. Let us all wish him
Many Years!
September 22nd, Father Serafim together
with matushka Irene Gan and Serge Shohov and a group of parishioners
participated in a meeting to help plan and organize the Joint Parish
Autumn evening planned for September 28 between St.Seraphims and
Holy Virgin Protection Churches.
September 21st, Upon completion of the
Divine Liturgy of The Feast of The Birth of Theotokos, Protopriest
Serafim Gan visited the Greek Orthodox Church of the Resurrection,
where the Sacrament of Holy Unction was performed over gravely ill
Father Emmanuel. The Sacrament of the Holy Unction was presided
by Archbishop Demetrious (Constantinople Patriarchate) and his vicar,
Bishop Sava and over 40 other representatives of the Orthodox Churches.
In attendance with our rector were students of the St. Vladimir's
Seminary Nikolaj Kostur and Radomir Plavsic. We ask that everyone
pray for the quick recovery and good health of Father Emmanuel who
has always been warm and friendly towards our parishioners.
September11th, accompanying His
Eminence Metropolitan Onufrii of Chernovitsk and Bukovinsk, protopriest
Mikhail Boikov and protodeacon Herman Polorotov, our rector conserved
in Washington D.C. with His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, the official
delegation of the Moscow patriarchate, the rector of St. John the
Baptist Cathedral- protopriest Viktor Potapov,and other Orthodox
church Representatives at there Founding Parish Feast Day. His Eminence
Metropolitan Laurus elevated Father Viktor Potapov to the rank of
Mitered Archpriest during the Small Entrance, for his devoted service
to the Church. During the holiday reception feast, Father Serafim
congratulated father Viktor on behalf of his parishioners and the
Synodal office, with such a high honor and wished him further strength
and heavenly help to continue this difficult work and service to
the church. In the evening His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus along
with Father Viktor and Father Serafim and members of the Moscow
Patriarchate delegation attended a reception in honor of His Eminence
given by the Russian Ambassador to the USA.
September 10th, after church festivities
presided by His Eminence Metropolitan Onufrii of Chernovitsk and
Bukovinsk , father Serafim visited relatives of His Eminence who
reside not far from the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Lakewood,
New Jersey, where they were offered a sumptuous meal and were able
to converse in a warm and friendly atmosphere. His Eminence Metropolitan
Onufrii, Father Serafim with our friends from Australia- Father
Mikhail Boikov and Father Herman Polorotov, departed for Washington
D.C., where they participated in the founding feast day Festivities
and services of The Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist.
9
September 2007 His Eminence Metropolitan Onufrii of Chernovitsk
and Bukovinsk, a permanent member of The Holy Synod of The Ukrainian
Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, presided at the Divine
Liturgy in our parish, and on the eve - All night vigil, with concelebrants
Protopriests George Kallaur, Mikhail Boikov a cleric of the Sydney
and Australia-New Zealand diocese, and Serafim Gan parish rector,
along with protodeacons Paul Wolkow and Herman Polorotov.
A dinner reception in honor of His Eminence Metropolitan
Onufrii was given by Serge Shohov and Irene Gan at the rector's
home after the Vigil service.
In the morning the clergy greeted His Eminence
with "Pompous Glory". To the sound of gladsome pealing
bells and with the singing of the Sunday Troparion they walked to
thechurch, where Starosta greeted His Eminence with welcoming words.
Following was the Divine Liturgy, after which His Eminence Metropolitan
Onufrii said a sermon. Prior to the veneration of the cross our
rector presented His Eminence with a gift from the parish of an
Icon of Saint Seraphim of Sarov.
At a splendidly prepared feast offered by
the Sisterhood, His Eminence spoke of life in His Diocese of Chernovitsk
and Bukovinsk. Present at the post festivities besides the serving
clergy were also Protopriests Leonid Kishkovsky, priests George
Zelenin and Alexander Antouchine, parishioners and guests.
1-3 September 2007 clergy and parishioners
participated in the festivities celebrating the 40 years of The
Archpastoral service of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, First
Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church outside of Russia, in Holy
Trinity Monastery in Jordanville NY. Our
parishioner George Selinsky was photographing the festivities as
His Eminence's personal photographer.
30 August 2007 at JFK Airport the rector
of our parish Protopriest Serafim Gan together with officials of
the Synod, The Counsel General, clergy of the Saint Nicholas Patriarchal
Cathedral and others, met an official delegation of the Russian
Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, headed by His Eminence
Metropolitan Isidor of Ekaterinodar and Kuban and the choir of the
Sretensky Monastery. On the next day Father Serafim participated
in prayer services before an icon dear to the heart of every Orthodox
Christian, the Derzhavnaya [Reigning] Icon of the Mother
of God, which was brought with the delegation, and also in a special
luncheon sponsored by the Counsel General of Russia to New York
S.V. Garmonin in honor of His Eminence Metropolitan Isidor, His
Eminence Metropolitan Onufrios, His Grace Archbishop Evgenii, Archimandrite
Tikhon and the choir of the Sretensky Monastery.
1
August 2007 His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus along with many
clergy of the Synod and Eastern diocese and numerous laity presided
at divine services celebrating the parish feast day. Pictures
may be viewed here.
Father
protodeacon Thomas Resko was able to complete a newly carved oblation
table, donated by a philanthropers. Many thanks to Father Thomas
and to father deacon Alexander Jarostchuk, who were able to deliver
the oblation table in time for the festivities and many thanks to
our philanthropers. May our Lord remember them in His Kingdom!
25
June-16 July 2007 Father Serafim together with members our parish
youth: Maria, Katherine,Peter Wolkow( children of protodeacon Pavel
and Anna Wolkow) and also Katherine Ivask (daughter of Serafim and
Susan Ivask) participated in the All-Diaspora Pilgrimage for the
youth "In the Footsteps of Moses"arranged by the synodal
Youth committee following the sacred sites in Egypt and Jerusalem.
Thanks be to God the pilgrimage was of great spiritual benefit to
all our youthful participants.
14-21
May 2007 Father Serafim, protodeacon Pavel Wolkow together with
other members of our parish participated in the Glorious Celebration
Festivities of the Canonical Reunification of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia with the Moscow Patriarchate. At the end
of the Moscow portion of the festivities, our rector accompanied
His Eminenece Metropolitan Laurus on a pilgrimage thru Kursk diocese
and the Ukraine Orthodox Church. George Selinsky, our parishioner
was assigned the task as The personal photographer to His Eminence
at the official visit with the Moscow Patriarchate.
A parish barbeque
sponsored by the men of the parish was held on April 29th
in honor of our parish sisterhood and our elder sister Mrs. Alla
N. Ryl. After the Divine Liturgy a short moleben was held in the
rector's house for the health and well being of our Sisterhood followed
by congratulatory greetings and gifts to the sisters and Names day
celebrants. Flowers were also given to the parish treasurer Irene
Kwartiroff and Elizabeth Miheev. See photos here.
Listen here to the singing of THE
CHERUBIC HYMN and THE
EUCHARISTIC CANON: ANAPHORA sung by the childrens choir "VALAAM"
during the Divine Liturgy on Easter Saturday. You can also listen
to the concert held in our parish hall here,
and see photos here.
The Holy Week Services and Holy Bright Pascha
at St. Seraphims church were celebrated with an uplifting sense
of glory and spirit.
Through
the continued and tireless efforts of our sisterhood, new Paschal
vestments were obtained and blessed. The church was beautifully
decorated thanks to the active help of our parishioners and youth.
Holy Week services were particularly uplifting
thanks to the endless efforts of our experienced Choir Director
Tamara Miloradovna Zhukova and her assistant Nikolai Mikhailovich
Miro. Readers Alexei Slobodskoy, Nikolai Miro, Serge Shohov, Maria,
Ekaterina and Alexandra Wolkow, Katherine Gurbeloshvili and Natasha
Miro sang the Holy Week Trios with a fervent sense of grace.
The
Paschal reception was marked with congratulatory wishes to namesday
celebrants: our head sister Alla Nikolaievna Ryl and Larissa Victorovna
Gurbeloshvili, followed by the singing of Many Years.
At 3:00 PM the same day, after a glorious Paschal
Vesper service, there was an open reception at the rector’s house
which was attended by numerous parishioners and guests. Amidst those
who came were the Very Rev. Protopriest Leonid Kishkovsky, rector
of Our Lady of Kazan Church(OCA), Priest Aleksandr Antouchine, rector
of Holy Virgin Protection Church (Glen Cove), Priest Mikhail Tarhovskoi
(MP) - cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchial Cathedral in Manhattan
New York, and protodeacon Nicholas Mokhoff, cleric of the Synodal
Cathedral of Our Lady of The Sign.
The second day of Paschal festivities continued
with the Matins of Holy Pascha and Divine Liturgy including a procession
around the church.
Fr. Serafim gave an interview to
the magazine "We in Russia and Abroad", about issues concerning
the Russian youth abroad as well as the Russian Orthodox Church
Abroad's upcoming plans in working with the youth:
On January 17th, our parish successfully raised funds for the Orthodox mission in Haiti. 
During the trapeza that followed, Fr Serafim and Fr Leonid greeted those in attendance. In his speech, Fr Serafim congratulated Vladyka Hilarion on the continuing celebration of the Nativity of Christ, and his recent birthday. Fr Serafim asked His Eminence to pray for the parishioners of St Serafim Church, so that they may always please His Eminence and the Church of Christ. Despite the fact that many are departing to the next world, such as Panteleimon Leonidovich, people who labored to preserve Russia outside her borders, we believe and hope that the Lord helps us emulate our predecessors, the founders of the Russian Church Abroad, and zealots of Holy Russia who live abroad. This is, after all, our calling, noted the Parish Rector, and our prayers for this ideal must not cease. The parish choir then sang carols and other songs celebrating the Nativity of Christ. 
On May 17th, 2007, the day of the Ascension of the Lord, the historical Act of Canonical Communion between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Moscow Patriarchate was signed in Moscow by His Holiness Patriarch Alexii II of Moscow and All Russia and His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, of blessed memories. 
October 22nd By the Blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, St. Seraphim’s rector and clergy participated in the divine liturgy at Our Lady of Kazan Church in Sea Cliff, celebrating the parish feast day. His Beatitude the Most Blessed Jonah Archbishop of Washington Metropolitan of All America and Canada presided along with parish rector Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky and other guest clergy. During the liturgy, priest John Bartholomew was elevated to the rank of Archpriest. His Beatitude awarded rector Archpriest Leonid Kishkovsky the Silver Medal Cross of St Innocent, Metropolitan of Moscow and Kolomensk, for 40 years of pastoral service. Matushka Alexandra was also recognized as a devoted wife and hard working supporter of her husband in his pastoral deeds. During the luncheon, St. Seraphim’s clergy received blessings from his Beatitude and congratulated him with his 50th Birthday. A letter from his Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion was handed to His Beatitude at this time. After the luncheon guest clergy were invited to visit St. Seraphim’s church. See photos 
On Friday, August 21, the miraculous "Hawaiian" myrrh-streaming Iveron icon of the Mother of God visited the Holy Virgin Protection Parish in Nyack, New York. The icon is a replica of the Iveron Icon that Brother Jose Munoz-Cortes received on Mount Athos, which became a myrrh-streaming as well as healing icon. Brother Jose traveled to many Orthodox parishes with the "Montreal" Iveron Icon of the Theotokos until his martyrdom in Greece in 1997. With his death, the miraculous Icon disappeared. With reverence and faith toward the Mother of God, many copies of the icon were printed. 
February 15th The Presentation of Our Lord. Divine Liturgy was presided by His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan. 
On Saturday, December 6, 2008, the feast day of St Mitrophan of Voronezh, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion celebrated Divine Liturgy at St Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff, NY, during which he commemorated the late Patriarch Alexy and Bishop Mitrophan, the long-time rector of the church. During the minor entrance at Divine Liturgy, His Eminence awarded the kamilavka to Protodeacon Paul Wolkoff and the double orarion to Deacon Eugene Kallaur. At the end of Liturgy, His Eminence gave a sermon during which said, in part:
“The years of the patriarchal service of His Holiness Alexy was a period of establishing ecclesiastical peace. His love and wisdom, the humility and podvig of His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus once again united the two parts of the Russian Orthodox Church in love, for which Bishop Mitrophan prayed and dreamed before dying in 2002.
“Praying for the souls of the reposed, we also address them with the words: ‘I pray thee, let a double portion of thy spirit be upon me’ (2 Kings 2:9). Amen.
Archbishop Anthony [Medvedev, +2000], Archimandrite Kyprian [Pyzhov, +2002] and others?’ The Primate responded that we must follow their example, we must become as they were, and pray for their souls, thereby drawing strength in fulfilling our duty.” In conclusion, Fr Serafim asked the First Hierarch’s prayers and expressed confidence that “the Lord, the Head of the Church, will always lead people who worthily carry His work forward.”
On
October 25-26, 2008, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan
Hilarion, the Synodal Youth Department held a symposium on the 100th
anniversary of the death of St John of Kronstadt. 
Then
will it become clear to us that our Christian eyes must be open
upon the church day and night. I offer you these thoughts, my dear
ones, today on our parish feast, so that, having been sweetened
by the Church's prayer in the temple of God and found consolation
in those remarkable words I have reminded you of, you may store
them up in your hearts. Then they may help us attain spiritual perfection."
The feast was greatly uplifting, and many people attended, despite
the fact that it fell on a weekday. The most impressive moments
of the divine services were the choir's singing, under the direction
of T. M. Zhukova, of Muzychesky's "Cherubic Hymn", Sokolov's
"A Mercy of Peace", and Bortyansky's "Let God Arise"
(during the communion of the clergy). 
On
August 3rd, the rector of St. Seraphim's Church concelebrated
the Divine Liturgy with the Dean of the Bavaria-Hesse Circuit of
the Moscow Patriarchate's Diocese of Berlin & Germany, Protopriest
Peter Stepanov, together with Protodeacons Paul Wolkow and Vadim
Gan, and Deacons Nicholas Ol'khovsky and Eugene Kallaur. Following
the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, the protopriests exchanged
words of greeting. After the banquet, Protopriest Peter Stepanov
told the parishioners about himself, his family, the course of his
life, and his ministry in the Holy Church, both in Russia and in
Germany, where he is now the rector of the Church of St. Xenia the
Blessed, in Nuremburg.
March
30th, The Week of the Veneration of the Holy Cross - Divine
Liturgy was presided by Archpriest Michael Boikov - Diocesan and
personal secretary to His Eminence Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney,
Australia and New Zealand - Acting President of the Synod of Bishops
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Conserving were
parish rector Father Serafim, protodeacons Pavel Wolkow, deacons
Eugene Kallaur and Nikolai Olhovsky-personal aide of newly departed
First Hierarch Metropolitan Laurus. An edifying sermon was said
by Father Michael during liturgy followed by a discussion on Lent
by Father Serafim in the parish hall.
March
23rd, The Most Reverend Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco and
the Western Diocese presided at the Divine Liturgy. Conserving were
our parish rector, deacons Eugene Kallaur and Alexander Reznikov-
a cleric of the Saint John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington D.C.
During trapeza Father Serafim shared his memories of our newly departed
Hierarch and also congratulated parishioner G.M. Sazonova with her
Names day. A meeting of the parish sisterhood followed. See photos
here.
February
17th - 18th, Father Serafim conserved Divine Liturgy with His
Eminence Metropolitan Laurus at the Saint Archangel Michael Church
in Cannes, France.
In
the beginning of February 2008, Deacon Eugene Kallaur, a Synodal
employee and cleric of the Holy Trinity Monastery, will be moving
to Sea Cliff with his family and will be assigned to the clergy
of St. Seraphim's Parish. We congratulate Father Deacon Eugene on
his new assignment and wish him strength from above in his service
to the Holy Church of Christ! Father Eugene is married and has 2
children. We are happy to greet his wife, Ekaterina, along with
his children Kiprian and Matrona, newest members of our parish!
6-7
January Christmas services in our parish were gloriously celebrated.
Attending the All Night Vigil service was Father Michael Myasnikov,
the new Treasurer of the Orthodox Church of America, who prayed
in the Altar. Our neighboring parish priests, Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky
and Rev. John Bartholemew attended and prayed with us the following
morning. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, at which approximately
150 people received the Holy Communion, Father 
Serafim
read the Christmas Epistle of His Holiness Alexy II Patriarch of
Moscow and All Russia, and then greeted all with the Joyous and
Triumphant Feast of our Saviors Jesus Christ's Birth. A gift of
the icon of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker, which was painted in
Kursk, the homeland of our patron saint, St. Seraphim of Sarov,
was presented to our parish. Father Leonid Kishkovsky, on behalf
of his Our Lady of Kazan Church parishioners, wished everyone happy
holidays. At the parish reception offered by our Sisterhood, choir
members sang Christmas carols, after which the children were visited
by Santa Claus. The first two days of Christmas, Father Serafim
with a group of parishioners, visited many parishioners in their
homes where they greeted all with a short prayer and the singing
of church Christmas hymns and carols. Look at photos 
That
evening father Serafim flew to France. Meeting with church benefactors
in Nice, father Serafim left for Canne to venerate the sanctuary
of the Archangel Michael church and to meet with the parishioners,
and also to visit the ailing and retired Bishop Varnava who was
in the hospital this time where at the request of His Grace, Bishop
Varnava was able to partake in the Sacrament of confession and receive
the Holy Gifts from Father Serafim. On November 14 Father Serafim
departed for London, where he participated in a meeting of all the
benefactors of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad.
Also participating at the meeting was Lena S. Zezulin, daughter
of the late S.J. Zezulin, one of our parish builders. Here Father
Serafim presented a report on church wide youth programs. Also discussed
were other church wide issues affecting the church in general. After
the meeting Father Serafim and Father Viktor Potapov along with
Synodal of Bishops diocese workers N.A. Ohotin and E.I. Hrihoriak
visited the Dormition Cathedral in London and rector Father Yaroslav
Belikow. Father Yaroslav showed his guests the new cathedral and
its holy relics. Afterwards Fathers Viktor and Serafim along with
the Synodal workers, met with Protopriest Peter Holodny Treasurer
of The Synod of Bishops. On November 17 Father Serafim left for
New York.
9
September 2007 His Eminence Metropolitan Onufrii of Chernovitsk
and Bukovinsk, a permanent member of The Holy Synod of The Ukrainian
Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate, presided at the Divine
Liturgy in our parish, and on the eve - All night vigil, with concelebrants
Protopriests George Kallaur, Mikhail Boikov a cleric of the Sydney
and Australia-New Zealand diocese, and Serafim Gan parish rector,
along with protodeacons Paul Wolkow and Herman Polorotov.
14-21
May 2007 Father Serafim, protodeacon Pavel Wolkow together with
other members of our parish participated in the Glorious Celebration
Festivities of the Canonical Reunification of the Russian Orthodox
Church Outside of Russia with the Moscow Patriarchate. At the end
of the Moscow portion of the festivities, our rector accompanied
His Eminenece Metropolitan Laurus on a pilgrimage thru Kursk diocese
and the Ukraine Orthodox Church. George Selinsky, our parishioner
was assigned the task as The personal photographer to His Eminence
at the official visit with the Moscow Patriarchate.
Through
the continued and tireless efforts of our sisterhood, new Paschal
vestments were obtained and blessed. The church was beautifully
decorated thanks to the active help of our parishioners and youth. 
The
Paschal reception was marked with congratulatory wishes to namesday
celebrants: our head sister Alla Nikolaievna Ryl and Larissa Victorovna
Gurbeloshvili, followed by the singing of Many Years.