On Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th of September, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, visited Natvity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY, and led the divine services there. His Grace’s visit for the celebrations were planned in conjunction with the parish’s upcoming patronal feast day, which took place the following Thursday September 21.

On Saturday night, Bishop Nicholas led the All-Night Vigil, co-served by parish and visiting clergy. Singing the service was a male choir under the direction of Nikhon Schuler.

The following morning, the diocesan vicar celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by parish rector Archpriest Alexis Duncan, Archpriest Michael Fritz (parish cleric), Abbot Theophylact (Clapper-DeWell; cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY), Priest Seraphim Wing (rector of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Church in Edinboro, PA), Priest Andrei Rudenko and Hieromonk Anatoly (Zilin; clerics of Holy Trinity Monastery), Protodeacons Joseph Jarostchuk (cleric of St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY), Alexander Jarostchuk (cleric of Holy Epiphany Church in Boston, MA), Michael Soloviev (parish cleric), and Leonid Roschko (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, NJ).

Liturgy was sung by the parish choir, again under the direction of Nikhon Schuler.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Bishop Nicholas addressed the gathered faithful, congratulating the clergy and parishioners on their upcoming parish feast. His Grace also congratulated Fr. Michael Soloviev on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate, which would likewise take place on September 21. The protodeacon was then presented with a gift: a set of blue cuffs and orarion.

The Polychronion was intoned for the hierarch, clergy, parishioners, and Fr. Michael.

After the service, a bountiful luncheon was organized for all by the parish sisterhood in the parish hall. During the luncheon, a raffle was held to raise money for parish’s fresco fund, the goal of which is to complete frescoes throughout the entire church.