On Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of September, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Andrew Stratelates Cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL. His Eminence’s visit was timed in connection with the celebration of the parish’s patronal feast on September 1, the 75th anniversary of its founding, and the 30th anniversary of Archpriest Igor Chitikov’s rectorship.

Concelebrating with His Eminence at Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning were: Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, Archpriest Stephen Romanchak (parish cleric), Fr. Igor Chitikov, Priest Michael Criscella and Deacon Stephan Romanchak (parish clerics), and local guest clergy.

At the Little Entrance, Metropolitan Nicholas awarded Fr. Michael Criscella the kamilavka and Fr. Stephen Romanchak the double orarion for their dedicated service to the Church.

The parish choir sang marvelously, and many parishioners attended the divine services in honor of the multiple occasions.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, a procession was held around the cathedral, after which the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad congratulated the clergy and parishioners with the joyous feast. In honor of Fr. Igor’s personal jubilee, he was presented with a jeweled cross prepared in honor of the ROCOR centennial.

A banquet was held during which interaction with the hierarchs, clergy, and parishioners continued well into the day.