On Saturday, May 13, the Russian School at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ held its graduation ceremony. The students and faculty first assembled in the cathedral for a thanksgiving moleben.

Serving the moleben was cathedral rector and school director Archpriest Serge Lukianov, joined by parish clerics Archpriest Luka Novakovic and Priest Anthony Williams. A group photo of the school, faculty, graduating class, and parents was then taken. The official graduation ceremony took place in the parish hall.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, teachers Anna Molenhoff, Lubov Sedunova, Julia Melikhova and Elena Gracheva were awarded diocesan gramotas for their many years of service to the parish. Michael and Vera Mackanic were also awarded with a diocesan gramota for their many years heading the Parents’ Committee.

This year, 13 students graduated from the Russian School. A picnic was held outside with fun and games for all.