On Sunday, October 23, the feast of the Synaxis of the Venerable Optina Elders, Holy Dormition Convent 
"Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY celebrated the namesday of its new rectress, Abbess Makaria. The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by the dean of the convent’s St. Seraphim Cathedral, Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, co-served by Archpriest Yaroslav Belikow, Abbot Photius (Oulanov;spiritual father of the monastic community), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin).

In his sermon, Fr. Photius spoke about the importance of the Optina Elders in the revival of the practice of honoring spiritual elders within the Russian Church. The monastic confessor drew attention to the relationship between Novo-Diveevo and the Optina Elders. Archpriest Adrian Rymarenko (later Archbishop Andrei of Rockland), founder of the monastery, spent the early years of his priesthood with the Optina Elders. The Elder Nektarios reposed under Father Adrian’s omophorion.

At the end of the Liturgy, a thanksgiving moleben was served, during which a special prayer was offered for the health of Abbess Makaria.