On July 19, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to the parish of the Nativity of the Mother of God in New York’s capital city, Albany, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. The meeting of the bishop was followed by the Hours and Liturgy, accompanied by a beautiful choir under the direction of parish choir director, John Schuler.

At the Little Entrance, by direction of the Synod of Bishops, Bishop Luke awarded the rector, Archpriest Alexis Duncan with the dignity of wearing the mitre for his long service to the parish and his work with the youth of the Russian Church Abroad. Most of the crowded church communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

At the conclusion of the liturgy Bishop Like delivered a beautiful sermon on the necessity of spiritual attentiveness, especially in the face of worsening societal depravity.

For quite some time, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, the parish has been searching for an auxiliary priest to assist in the divine services. The parish has grown significantly over the past few years and, in a desire to offer more divine services and other parish activities, it was necessary to find an appropriate candidate. After a search and with God’s help, a wonderful young man was found to serve the parish. Upon Bishop Luke’s visit, he introduced to the parish Priest Timothy Zelinski along with his wife, Matushka Margaret. Fr. Timothy completed the Master’s Program at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY in 2024.

The rector thanked Bishop Luke for his continued spiritual guidance, and presented the newly assigned Fr. Timothy with a gift from the sisterhood: a beautiful set of gold vestments.

A festal luncheon was held after the services, where the entire parish enjoyed fellowship before departing for their homes.