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Our Chapel Altar Feast Celebration - July 11-12, 2014

On Saturday, July 12, the Feast of the Holy Glorious and Praiseworthy Chiefs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes of the USA, Archbishop Justinian, of Naro-Fominsk celebrated Divine Liturgy at Saints Peter & Paul Chapel located in our parish cemetery. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest John Vass, Deacon Michael Bishop and clergy from St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York.

For our Chapel's altar feast, were presented from St. Nicholas Cathedral for our veneration the miraculously revealed icon of St. Sergius of Radonezh and an icon of the Right-Believing Prince Peter and Princess Fevronia of Muromsk with pieces of their holy relics. The prayerful magnification of the Chiefs of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Venerable Sergius of Radonezh and Right-Believing Peter and Fevronia - patrons of Christian marriage - was conducted at the end of Liturgy.

The Archpastor greeted the clergy and parishioners on our altar feast, and with appreciation highlighted the labors of the parish rector, parish council and Sisterhood for the well-organized parish life, beautiful Divine Services and for keeping the church and chapel in fine order. Vladyko explained how in Russia the Right-Believing Peter and Fevronia are venerated as protectors of Christian marriage and about the national feast day of "Love, Family and Devotion." Vladyko awarded medals and gramotas "For Love and Devotion" to five couples married for many years. Also, Vladyko presented Archpastoral Gramotas to several parishioners for their service to the Church.

Then, Archbishop Justinian visited our cemetery, served a litya for the departed at the gravesite of Matushka Tatiana, and prayerfully remembered the founders of the parish and all who are buried in our parish cemetery. Afterwards the celebration continued at the festive reception in the pavilion, during which we all enjoyed a great musical program offered by many Sunday School students and adults of our parish.

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We most sincerely thank everyone who helped with preparing for the archbishop's visit July 11-12. The celebration of the feast of the Chiefs of the Apostles Peter and Paul was truly glorious and joy-filled. Because of everyone's contribution, the events of last weekend were quite memorable and inspiring. The lawn in front of the chapel was transfigured into a beautiful outdoor church adorned with many icons, flowers and ornamental rugs. We thank everyone who helped with transporting so many heavy items from our church to the chapel and with arranging everything each day, as well as the decoration of several icons with lovely fresh flowers. And the choir sang beautifully for both the vigil and liturgy. Because of their singing the Divine Services were conducted peacefully and prayerfully. We also once again congratulate the five couples who received the Award of Sts. Peter & Fevronia for their marital "Love and Devotion". Also, our congratulations go out to those who worthily received Archpastoral Gramotas for their service to the Church. After the Divine Services we proceeded to the pavilion where we all enjoyed a wonderful reception featuring freshly grilled meats accompanied by a wide array of homemade side dishes, salads and sumptuous desserts. We thank everyone who cooked at the grill, who brought dishes to share and who helped with serving and cleanup afterwards. For this reception, our outdoor pavilion was transfigured into a beautifully decorated "reception hall" adorned with draperies, linen table coverings and fresh flowers for each table. It looked wonderful. Finally, we concluded our 95th Anniversary celebration with a great talent show that featured more than 15 displays of music, singing, poetry and dance by our own children and parishioners. They all prepared well and happily performed for His Eminence and for all in attendance at the reception. Thank you!  Indeed, thank you to everyone - truly the list is very long - everyone who helped to make the Archbishop's visit to be a spiritually uplifting event, that will be remembered for many years to come. God bless you all.


O Most Holy Trinity, Our God, Glory to Thee!