Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal officiates Patronal Feast of St. Seraphim Memorial Church

On Friday, August 1, the feast of the Translation of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, the eponymous church in Sea Cliff, NY, celebrated its patronal feast day.

On the eve prior, before All-Night Vigil, the Lesser Blessing of Water was performed with an akathist before one of the oldest icons of the saint, containing a particle of his holy relics. At the end of the festal Vigil, the parish rector, Archpriest Serafim Gan, delivered a brief sermon about the significance of the prayer "Lord, have mercy," which is repeatedly recited during the services, a prayer that should essentially always be with us to incline God’s mercy toward ourselves and others.

The next day, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal & Canada, celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by parish and visiting clergy. The deacons were led by Protodeacon Paul Wolkow. Although it was a weekday, the church was full of worshippers, demonstrating that, where there is a will, even working people can request time off for a service and come to the church for worship, at least for such significant days for parishioners as the patronal feast.

As the day before, the church choir conducted by Nicholas Miro sang excellently and enthusiastically. After "Blessed be the Name of the Lord," Archbishop Gabriel delivered a sermon on Venerable Seraphim, characterizing him as a great intercessor and teacher of prayer, emphasizing that we should seek out the most typical trait of each saint and strive to emulate that trait, for God glorifies His saints for no other purpose than for us to endeavor to follow the example of their ascetic life.

It is impossible not to note with great satisfaction the exceptionally high prayerful disposition of those gathered – this was evident in the very large number of individuals who partook of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. This open prayerful fervor of parishioners and friends left an extremely gratifying impression.

The magnificent temple was adorned with new icons: of Venerable Gabriel Urgebadze – a gift from Metropolitan Nicholas, of the new martyrs of Votkinsk: Archpriest Nicholas and Barbara Chernyshev, with pieces of their relics – a gift from Metropolitan Victorin of Izhevsk & Udmurtia; of the Holy Hierarch Alexius, Metropolitan of Moscow & All Russia – a gift from Alexei S. and Maria O. Slobodskoy; and of the Holy Hierarch Jonah, Bishop of Hankou, who reposed 100 years ago.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy and a moleben with the reading of the prayer to St. Seraphim, His Eminence congratulated the rector of the church and other namesday celebrants on their name day, and then said a few warm words about Protodeacon Eugene Kallaur, who is marking the 20th anniversary of his diaconal ministry. On this occasion, he was presented with a diocesan gramota, signed by the First Hierarch and presented by Archbishop Gabriel.

Serving comes as second nature to Fr. Eugene. He has proven tireless in his service, and in his relationships with his fellow clergymen, whether senior or junior, he is always respectful and attentive. Endowed with a magnificent voice, he likewise handsome in appearance and charming in manner: approachable, sociable, even-tempered, responsive, and affectionate.

The rector, especially welcomed and thanked Archbishop Gabriel, the clergy, subdeacons, and altar servers, singers and worshippers, saying that the memory of Venerable Seraphim comforts Orthodox Christians who continue to stand before God in prayer for the restoration of peace on earth. He then presented His Eminence with an icon of the Savior, and to Fr. Eugene an icon of the Venerable Seraphim of Sarov with a dedicatory inscription.

The celebration concluded with a traditional and magnificent feast offered by the sisterhood, headed by Elizabeth Miheev. The meal took place in an atmosphere of joy, spiritual unity, and cohesion. Warm welcome words were spoken by Archbishop Gabriel, clergy, and guests. At the end of the meal, Fr Serafim, expressing gratitude to the sisterhood and benefactors, wished everyone peaceful spirit, mutual respect, patience for one another, and brotherly love, around whom "thousands are saved," asking for the prayers of all saints.

All participants of this bright celebration truly left illuminated by the grace and blessing of St .Seraphim.