On Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of October, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, paid an archpastoral visit to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY, where he officiated the resurrectional divine services. His visit was timed to coincide with the parish celebrations in honor of the church’s patronal feast day, which had taken place on Tuesday, October 14.

Serving alongside the vicar of the Eastern American Diocese at the All-Night Vigil on Saturday evening and concelebrating at Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning were parish clergy: rector Archpriest Gregory Naumenko, Protodeacon Andrej Strapko, Deacon Nathan Reff, Hierodeacon Theophan (Jensen), and Deacon Stefan Prokopienko, as well as clerics of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, who were accompanying the Right Reverend abbot of the monastery: Hieromonks Anatoly (Zilin) ​​and Ignatius (Matzschke Brull).

The parish choir, under the direction of Matushka Melania Reff, sang the services beautifully and prayerfully.

On Sunday morning, Bishop Luke was greeted at the entrance to the church with the traditional bread and salt. During the hours, His Grace ordained Readers James Kroll and John Reimer subdeacons.

The church was filled with worshippers, virtually all of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Following Liturgy, a moleben was held, with a cross procession that went to the new retirement parsonage on the parish property. His Grace blessed the house, after which a group photo was taken.

Returning to the church, Bishop Luke delivered an inspiring sermon.

After the service, a bountiful luncheon was provided for all in the parish hall.

On Tuesday, October 28, en route from Cleveland to New York City, His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, stopped at the parish to visit Fr. Gregory and bless his move to the new parsonage.