On the day of Antipascha, the 2nd Sunday of Easter, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Seraphim Cathedral of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were cathedral dean Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, Archpriest Elias Gorsky (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), Photius (Oulanov, convent confessor), Priest Artem Siss (convent cleric), Priest Nikolai Belcher (cleric of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; convent clerics), and Deacons Andrew Podymow (cleric of Holy Protection Church in Nyack) and Nicholas Ilyin (convent cleric).

Together with the believers, Abbess Makaria, rectress of Novo-Diveevo Convent, prayed at the divine service with the sisters.

The liturgical chants were performed by the greater Novo-Diveevo choir under the direction of John Arlievsky, Fr. Serge’s son.

Most worshippers in the temple confessed and communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries from two chalices.

At the end of the festal Liturgy, His Eminence served a general panihida for all of the departed hierarchs, monastics, and Orthodox Christians buried in the convent cemetery at Novo-Diveevo.

Clergy and parishioners of the convent were invited to the parish hall for a festal luncheon. The sisters of Novo-Diveevo Convent delighted the guests with sweet treats and fresh homemade pastries, while the families of parishioners organized the sale of hot pelmeni.

After lunch, His Eminence served a memorial service for the deceased Russian cadets. The rainy weather did not prevent believers from praying for the repose of their loved ones at the cemetery and sharing with them the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. Memorial services at the graves were served throughout the day.

All those who wished to do so were able to attend the church bazaar being held on the territory of the convent. Vendors sold spiritual literature and souvenirs, served dishes of national cuisine, and informed visitors about existing Church charity organizations.

All those who gathered on this day shared the light of the great feast of Christ’s Pascha.