On Thursday, August 28, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York 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. With him he brought relics of the Holy New Hieroconfessor Patriarch Tikhon for veneration by the faithful.

The service began with an akathist to the Dormition of the Theotokos and the Lesser Blessing of water; the greeting of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad followed. Concelebrating with His Eminence at Liturgy in St. Seraphim Cathedral were convent clergy: Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski (cathedral dean), Priest Artem Siss, and Protodeacon Alexey Pnev.

The choir sang the divine services under the direction of Alla Generalova. Praying at Liturgy were the sisters of the convent, led by Abbess Makaria, and a multitude of pilgrims. That day, many communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

In his sermon, Metropolitan Nicholas spoke about how the Mother of God is always with us and the need to always pray to her, and she will not forsake us.

After Liturgy, a cross procession was held to the "small" church dedicated to the Holy Dormition, where a moleben was served. The service concluded with the intonation of the Polychronion to the abbess and the convent sisters. His Eminence congratulated Fr. Alexander, who celebrated his 95th birthday the day before. and wished him God’s blessing, health, and strength to continue his labors.

Afterward, all were invited to a festal luncheon.

Photos: Anna Wojno-Oranski