On Sunday the 27th and Monday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, where he officiated the festal divine services in honor of the monastery’s patronal feast in the main St. Seraphim Cathedral.
Serving alongside His Eminence at All-Night Vigil on Sunday evening were: Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski (cathedral dean), Archimandrite Siluan (Lembei; diocesan cleric), Vasily Zelenyuk (rector of the Church of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy" in Staten Island, NY), and Priests Artem Siss and Alexei Klar and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (convent clerics).
The following morning, an akathist to the Dormition with the lesser blessing of water was served, followed by the greeting of the hierarch, Hours, and Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with Archbishop Gabriel were the above-mentioned clergy, with the exception of Fr. Vasily Zelenyuk.
Praying at the service were the sisters of the convent, led by Abbess Makaria, as well as a large number of the faithful. The choir sang beautifully under the direction of Matushka Maria Fedorowski.
Upon completion of Liturgy, a moleben was served with a procession around the cathedral. A greeting was then read from Metropolitan Nicholas, wishing the monastics, clergy, and everyone present a blessed feast. He had celebrated Liturgy earlier that morning in the Holy Land, where he had prayed for the whole Church Abroad.
After the service, a luncheon was held in the parish hall for all in attendance.
Nanuet, NY: On Feast of Dormition, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal officiates Divine Services in Novo-Diveevo Convent - 08/28/23
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