PARISH LIFE
Organized
with the blessing of Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan
Church of the Intercession
14 Alvin Street
Glen Cove, NY 11542
OrthodoxWomensConference@gmail.com
703-405-5064
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.
September 11th, 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.
See photos of Holy Week and Easter here.
Listen to the Paschal Vespers Service here.
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:
Educating with a love for
the Church and the earthly motherland
See
parish news archives for 2006
See parish news archives for 2005
For more news, see The
Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia webpage.
