On Saturday May 16th, the feast of Venerable Theodosius, abbot of the Kiev Caves, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY in honor of the 75th anniversary of its parish Russian School.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were Bishops Theodosius of Manhattan and Jerome (Shaw), as well as Archpriests Elias Gorsky (parish rector) and George Temidis (secretary of the diocesan administration), Priest Andrew Podymow (parish cleric), Protodeacons Serge Arlievsky (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City), Alexandre Sarandinaki (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ), and Alexey Pnev (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), and Deacon Nicholas Ilyin (parish cleric).

The service was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

His Eminence was greeted by the parish’s starosta with bread and salt. During the service, selected hymns were sung by the children themselves. At the Sixth Hour, parish Reader Aleksey Rilov was ordained a subdeacon.

During the Small Entrance, with the blessing of the Synod of Bishops, Archpriest George Temidis was awarded the palitsa, and Deacon Nicholas Ilyin was elevated to the rank of protodeacon. In this prayerful way, the past, present and future of the school was noted: Subdeacon Alexey is a long-time graduate of the school, Archpriest George and his family remain active supporters and teachers at the school, and Protodeacon Nicholas’s family are teachers and graduates of the school and have children beginning the school.

In his sermon, His Eminence noted the difficulties faced by all in these trying times, and how he worries and prays for all our Orthodox children, admonishing all to avoid the pitfalls and seductions of our modern age by learning and taking to heart Orthodox prayers, culture and deeds, participating in school and church services, and filling their time with godly endeavors. After the sermon, he read the Thanksgiving Prayer for the school.

Eternal Memory was sung for all the previous rectors, directors, teachers and students who have passed, as well as for ever-memorable Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral; +2022), this being the anniversary of his repose.

After the singing of the polychronion, Archpriest Elias thanked the hierarchs for celebrating this momentous anniversary with the parish. Priest Andrei presented gifts to His Eminence and Bishop Jerome. In honor of Bishop Theodosius’ namesday, the parish gifted him a palitsa with his saint, which he wore during Liturgy.

After group photos, all moved to the hall for lunch and festivities. The history of the school was recalled by Subdeacon Alexsei Slobodskoy, who remembered his parents, Fr. Seraphim and Matushka "Yolochka" Elena; Fr. Elias spoke about the work of Archpriest George Larin, Fr. Seraphim’s successor, who built the hall and actual school building. During his presentation, a portrait of Fr. George, donated by the Larin family, was unveiled. Then Ksenia Kalinina, one of the first graduates of the school, spoke about her memories and what the school meant to her.

The highlight of the day was the participation of multiple generations of students and teachers. The current students marched on stage, and asked for all graduates and teachers, both past and present, to stand and be acknowledged and thanked. A brief video of Matushka Yolochka from the 50th Anniversary of the school was presented as an introduction to the final act of the day, the short play "Buzzy-Wuzzy Busy Fly" ("Муха-Цокотуха") but with a twist: while the current children sang the songs, the actors were past alumni, some who have their own children in the school. The humorous and playful event was appreciated by all, and many remained far after, enjoying the warm weather and deep meaning of the day.