Archpastoral Visit – Thank you!

On Sunday, February 11,2018 the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk visited our parish to mark the 99th Anniversary of our Parish Founding. Upon his arrival Bishop John was greeted with flowers by Veronica Burbelo, Julia Hidar and Margarita Akinina all in beautiful Russian dresses. Then, our Parish Council President Victor Marinich welcomed His Grace with the traditional bread and salt. After vesting in the sanctuary, His Grace led the celebration of the Divine Liturgy, co-served by Archpriest John Vass, Priest Mark Rashkov (cleric of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City) and Deacon Michael Bishop. At the Little Entrance, for his many years of dedicated service to the Russian Orthodox Church, Fr. Michael was awarded the right to wear the double orarion.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop John delivered a sermon on the Sunday's Gospel reading. In honor of his visit, His Grace presented our parish with an icon of the Holy Royal Passion-bearers as well as a book detailing their lives. Bishop John also presented the following members of the parish with Archpastoral Gramotas: Andrei Burbelo, Natalie Burbelo, Anna-Zumrat Shkurba, Larisa Hidar, Patricia-Marie Disharoon, Catalin-Vasily Frujinoiu, Anca-Magdalena Frujinoiu, Ekaterina Radchenko, and Daniel Walsh. Afterwards, Fr. John acquainted Bishop John with the ongoing restoration and frescoing of our historic church. He also presented His Grace with a photo album that included pictures of our past and present church life as well as “before-and-after” pictures of the icons that were restored.

After Liturgy, we conducted a festive luncheon in honor of the Bishop’s visit. We offer our sincere thanks to everyone who made last Sunday a memorable day – to the choir under the direction of Brian-Seraphim Cardell; to Natalie Burbelo for coordinating the luncheon and to the very many volunteers who helped with cleaning the church, preparing the hall, cooking and serving during the luncheon and cleaning up afterwards. Indeed, many people helped in various ways. Thank you for your dedication to and love of our parish community. Bishop John was very happy to visit us and quite pleased to hear about how active and harmonious our parish is. May God bless you all.