On Bright Saturday, April 18, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), celebrated the Paschal Divine Liturgy in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY. On this day, clergy and parishioners gathered to celebrate the 50th anniversary of His Grace’s ordination to the priesthood, which took place on April 18, 1976 at St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, at the hands of Archbishop Nikon (Rklitsky) of Washington & Florida.

Concelebrating at Liturgy with Bishop Jerome were Archpriests Elias Gorsky (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY) and George Temidis (parish rector), as well as Protodeacon Alexey Pnev (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY) and Deacons Nicholas Ilyin (cleric of Holy Protection Church), David Dutkanicz (cleric of St. Nicholas Church in Stratford, CT), and Konstantin Aleshin and Theodotus Conrad (parish clerics).

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, the clergy greeted His Grace on the occasion of his milestone anniversary, and a letter of congratulation from Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York was read aloud.

A very fancy Paschal luncheon was served in the parish hall, during which Bishop Jerome delivered a brief talk about the ideal characteristics of a clergyman.

The Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese joins in congratulating His Grace, and wishes him many and blessed years!