On Friday, July 31, and Saturday, August 1, the feast of the Finding of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan, visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, for the patronal feast of the convent’s main cathedral.

His Grace officiated All-Night Vigil and the reading of the akathist to the venerable saint, co-served by: Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski (cathedral dean), Archpriest Elias Gorsky (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), Abbot German (Ciuba; retired), and Priest Artem Siss and Protodeacon Alexey Pnev (convent clerics).

On Friday morning, a second akathist and Lesser Blessing of Water was served. All of the above-mentioned clergy concelebrated with Bishop Theodosius at Divine Liturgy, joined by Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City), Priest Alexei Klar (cleric of St. Xenia Church in Methuen, MA), Protodeacon Nicholas Ilyin (cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), and Deacon Nikolai Arabidze (cleric of St. Nicholas Church in Bayonne, NJ).

The choir sang the divine services under the direction of Alla Generalova. Praying at Liturgy were the sisters of the convent, led by Nun Seraphimaa, and a multitude of pilgrims. That day, many communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

A moleben was served, followed by a procession around the cathedral dedicated to the venerable saint. The protodeacon intoned the polychronion to the hierarch, sisters, and faithful – especially to those celebrating their namesday. All were blessed with holy water.

A festal luncheon was served to all in the main convent dining hall, after which Bishop Theodosius held a roundtable question-and-answer session with those interested about liturgical and other religious topics.

Pilgrims and visitors had the chance to socialize with the clergy and visit the cemetery throughout the afternoon. His Grace rested before officiated All-Night Vigil that evening for the Lord’s Resurrection and the feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah, and celebrating Divine Liturgy the following morning.

Photos: Andrew &Gregory Fedorowski