On Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th of March, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of Mayfield, led the Great Lenten services for the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross in St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, NJ. On Saturday evening, Bishop George led the All-Night Vigil and bringing out of the Cross. His Grace was co-served by cathedral clerics: dean Archpriest Serge Lukianov, pastor emeritus Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, Archpriest Boris Slootsky, Priest Seraphim Chemodakov, Protodeacon Leonid Roschko, and Deacon Paul Drozdowski, as well as Archpriest Rafael Melendez (Albanian Orthodox Church).

On Sunday morning, Bishop George celebrated the Divine Liturgy, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy. In his sermon upon completion of the Liturgy, His Grace addressed the faithful with a word on the saving power of the Cross, which helps us to be closer to the Savior.

Bishop George blessed the new Nevsky’s Café, located within the newly renovated cathedral hall. Now parishioners can rest here, drink a cup of coffee or tea and a grab bite to eat, interact with one another after or between divine services, and read books from the church bookstore.

The clergy and faithful had an opportunity to spend some time with Bishop George prior to his impending departure to his new place of service – the Diocese of Australia & New Zealand.