On Tuesday, April 7, the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

Concelebrating with First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were clergy of the Deanery of New York City & Long Island: Archpriest Ion Arama (parish rector), Abbot Silouan (Justiniano; deputy abbot of St. Dionysios the Areopagite Monastery in St. James, NY), and Protodeacons Eugene Kallaur (cleric of St. Seraphim of Sarov Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY) and Serguei Mikhailov (cleric of Holy Virgin Intercession Church in Glen Cove, NY).

To the joy and consolation of the faithful, His Eminence was accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, which was venerated by the faithful throughout the service.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas greeted the faithful with the feast, encouraging those in attendance to always love the Mother of God, turn to her in prayer, and honor her holy churches, especially their parish – the only church dedicated to the feast of the Annunciation in the diocese.

After the service, a festal luncheon was served in the parish hall, where interaction between the clergy and parishioners continued.