On Friday, August 28, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan arrived at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, to join the monastics, clergy, and faithful in celebrating the convent’s patronal feast day. The wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God arrived the evening prior and was present during the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy.

The service began with an akathist to the Dormition of the Theotokos and the Lesser Blessing of water; the greeting of the bishop followed. His Grace was co-served by convent clergy: Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, Priest Artem Siss, and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky. The divine services were accompanied by the pious singing of the cathedral choir.

During the Little Entrance, Fr. Artem was awarded the nabedrennik. After the Eucharistic Canon, Subdeacon Alexei Klar was ordained to the diaconate. The newly ordained Deacon Alexei will fulfill his service at Novo-Diveevo Convent.

A multitude of faithful confessed the previous evening and more did so prior to the start of the Divine Liturgy; nearly all those present received Christ’s Holy Mysteries. After the Liturgy, a short festal moleben was served in front of the wonderworking icon.

In his sermon, Bishop Nicholas spoke about the importance of the Mother of God in our lives, as well as the significance of her holy Dormition and the need for everyone to seek true Christian love of neighbor. Following the sermon, Bishop Nicholas congratulated the newly ordained Deacon Alexei and his family. His Grace also wished many years to Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, who celebrated his 90th birthday the day before.

www.novo-diveevo.org