On Wednesday, January 15, the commemoration of the repose and second finding of the relics of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, on the occasion of the lesser patronal feast day of its St. Seraphim Cathedral, and celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were: Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski (cathedral dean), Archimandrite Siluan (Lembei; convent cleric), Archpriest Elias Gorsky (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), Archpriest George Zelenin (rector of St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ), Priest Artem Siss (convent cleric), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City), Deacon Alexey Pnev (convent cleric), and Deacon Nicholas Ilyin (cleric of Holy Protection Church in Nyack).

Liturgy was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora ‒ the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

At the Little Entrance, Metropolitan Nicholas elevated Fr. Alexey Pnev to the rank of Protodeacon.

The choir sang the divine service under the direction of Alla Generalova. Praying at Liturgy were the sisters of the convent led by Abbess Makaria, as well as a multitude of pilgrims.

Upon completion of the service, a short moleben was served before the Kursk Root Icon, as well as the convent’s icon of St. Seraphim, portrayed praying on a rock for 1,000 nights. This icon itself is depicted on a shard from the very same stone and it contains holy relics of the venerable saint.

Metropolitan Nicholas congratulated the clergy, monastics, choir, and faithful with the feast. His Eminence spoke about the importance of prayer and how wonderful it is to be able to pray in the presence of the Kursk Root Icon, the very same icon that healed young Prochor, the future St. Seraphim. This very same icon continues to heal, although sometimes we may not know it, due to our sins and the turmoil in the world and our lives. But here in the convent it is peaceful and joyful for the soul to be able to come and pray amongst the holy icons and relics.

At the conclusion of the service, "Many Years" was intoned for the clergy and monastics, as well as for those celebrating their saint’s day. On behalf of Abbess Makaria, Fr. Artem thanked Metropolitan Nicholas for his visit to the convent on this festive occasion, for his guidance, care, and prayers for his flock.

Everyone was invited to a festal meal, where children held a small performance of Christmas carols for the Metropolitan. Following the performance, Metropolitan Nicholas gave out chocolate to the children.