On Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of June, the Sunday of All Saints who have Shone Forth in the Russian Land, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Saints Theodore Church in Buffalo, NY, where he led the celebrations in honor of one of the parish’s patron saints, the Holy Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates, and the translation of his relics.

His Grace was greeted by parish warden Valentine Fudala with the traditional bread and salt. Bishop Luke officiated the divine services, co-served by parish clergy: rector Priest Andrew Hammond and Deacons George Hammond and Daniel Watkins, as well as Deacon Nathan Reff (cleric of Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY). The service of the clergy was accompanied by the beautiful singing of the parish choir, led by Justin Kawa & Reader Paul Trinca at All-Night Vigil and Matushka Ioanna Hammond at Divine Liturgy.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Luke delivered an uplifting homily, highlighting the importance of prayer shared in common amongst the faithful in the church. Fr. Andrew said a few words thanking Bishop Luke for his attendance at the celebration of one of the parish’s feast days. This was followed by a long-overdue parish picture as the parish has changed and grown substantially in the years since his last visit.

After the service, the parish sisterhood, under the leadership of Sisterhood President Natalia Davies, provided a bountiful festal meal. Prior to his departure, Bishop Luke was able to be among the people, engaging and building intimate relationships with the faithful.

May God continue to strengthen us by His divine grace to carry on the mission of this holy household blessed by Archbishop Averky (Taushev; +1976) as an English-speaking missionary church of the Russian Church Abroad to bring to these lands the light of truth and piety to one day baptize this nation into Holy Orthodoxy. Through the prayers of the Holy Great Martyrs Theodore Stratelates and Theodore Tyro, may God strengthen us to carry out this vision into the future!

Priest Andrew Hammond
Rector