On the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, the Orthodox Church glorifies the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women. This year, Sunday, May 8, was also Mother’s Day in many countries around the world.

In the Church of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in North Port, FL, Divine Liturgy was celebrated. This Sunday, the service was a joint one; officiating Liturgy was parish rector Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk), co-served by Priest Constantine Desrosiers (cleric of St. Xenia Church in Methuen, MA) and Priest Artemius Makartetsky (cleric of the Diocese of Chernigov UOC).

Parish cleric Hieromonk Arkadii (Polishchuk) joined the parish choristers in adorning the festal divine service in hymnody. Special prayers were offered up during Liturgy for peace in Ukraine.

After the service, the parish brethren congratulated all of the women parishioners with the feast of the Holy Myrrhbearers and Mother’s Day. The women of the parish received presents of flowers and sweets. A luncheon was then served for all by the efforts of the brethren and parishioners.