On Saturday, April 6, on the eve of the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day, which would take place the following day.

Concelebrating with First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were clergy of the Deanery of New York City & Long Island: Archpriest Serafim Gan (rector of St. Seraphim of Sarov Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY), Hieromonk Laurus (Solomonov; cleric of Our Lady "The Inexhaustible Chalice" Church in Brooklyn, NY), Archpriests Alexandre Antchoutine (dean; rector of Holy Virgin Intercession Church in Glen Cove, NY) and Ion Arama (parish rector), Protodeacon Eugene Kallaur (cleric of St. Seraphim Church), and Deacon Andrei Antchoutine (cleric of Holy Virgin Intercession Church).

To the joy and consolation of the faithful, His Eminence was accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, which was venerated by the faithful throughout the service. Upon conclusion of Liturgy, a moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos was served before the Kursk and parish icons in the center of the church.

Metropolitan Nicholas greeted the faithful with the feast, encouraging those in attendance to always love the Mother of God, turn to her in prayer, and honor her holy churches, especially their parish – the only church dedicated to the feast of the Annunciation in the diocese.

After the service, a festal luncheon was served in the parish hall, where interaction between the clergy and parishioners continued.