On Friday, April 7, 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.
Concelebrating with First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were: Archpriests Alexandre Antchoutine (dean of New York City & Long Island) and Ion Arama (parish rector), Protodeacons Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY) and Serguei Mikhailov, and Deacon Andrei Antchoutine (clerics of Holy Virgin Intercession Church in Glen Cove, NY).
Upon conclusion of Liturgy, a moleben to the Most Holy Theotokos was served before the parish icon in the center of the church.
Metropolitan Nicholas greeted the faithful with the feast, stressing the importance of this great feast in the life of the Church and the history of our salvation. He encouraged 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 until it was time to prepare for the Matins of Lazarus Saturday.