On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of October ‒ the feast of the Holy Hierarch Jonah of Hankou ‒ His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY. His Grace’s visit was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast day, which had taken place on the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos the Monday prior.

Bishop Luke officiated the All-Night Vigil on Saturday evening and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, co-served by Archimandrite Theophylact (Clapper-de-Well; cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery), Archpriest Gregory Naumenko (parish rector), and Protodeacon Andrej Strapko and Deacons Nathan Reff and Stephen Prokopienko (parish clerics).

After the Little Entrance at Liturgy, the children’s choir under the direction of Alexandra Strapko sweetly sang "Eis polla eti, Despota."

Upon completion of the service, Bishop Luke delivered a sermon on the Gospel reading, as well as underscoring that the church is a refuge from all of the evil and chaotic things happening in this world.

His Grace noted and thanked the parish choir, under the direction of Matushka Melania Reff, for their beautiful and prayerful singing.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Fr. Andrej Strapko was awarded the Order of the Kursk Root Icon, 3rd Class in honor of the 25th anniversary of his diaconal service.

After Liturgy, the sisterhood prepared a festal luncheon in the parish hall, where interaction between parishioners and the archpastor and guests from Jordanville continued.