On May 10, the 5th Sunday of Pascha (that of the Samaritan Woman), a day on which the Holy Church also commemorates Venerable Stephen, Abbot of the Kiev Caves and Bishop of Vladimir-Volhynsky, parish rector Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk) celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in North Port, FL, co-served by Hieromonk Arkadii (Polishchuk), Hierodeacon Paisius (Alexeevets), and Deacon Alexander Kharitoniuk.

The divine service was adorned by the beautiful singing of the choir, led by choir director Valeria Surovaya. The Epistle was read in two languages: Church Slavonic and English. The Gospel readings recounted the Savior’s conversation with the Samaritan woman, as well as the Beatitudes.

At the Augmented Litany, special petitions were offered for the health of Fr. Stefan, who was celebrating his namesday.

Venerable Stephen was a disciple of Venerable Theodosius of the Caves and became the first abbot following the saint’s repose. St. Stephen successfully oversaw the construction of the Church of the Dormition within the Monastery of the Caves; subsequently, he also founded and built a church at the Klov Monastery (located near the Kiev-Caves Monastery). Later, St. Stephen became Bishop of the ancient city of Vladimir-Volhynsky.

A multitude of Orthodox faithful – regular attendees of the church’s services – gathered for Liturgy, including many children. The majority of those present partook of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Fr. Stefan addressed the worshippers with a sermon on the Lord’s calling of the Samaritan woman, and also congratulated the women on Mother’s Day, which was being observed that day.

On behalf of the brethren and parishioners, Fr. Arkadii congratulated Fr. Stefan on his namesday and wished the celebrant spiritual wisdom, patience, and God’s aid in his labors. The Polychronion was intoned proclaimed for the rector, for all those celebrating their namesday, and for all mothers.

After the service, everyone was invited to a luncheon, where they had the opportunity to enjoy wonderful dishes prepared by the monks, as well as treats brought by parishioners, and to interact.