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Howell, NJ: Metropolitan Hilarion leads Divine Services in Diocesan Cathedral & Attends Parish Yolka

On Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of January, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, led the festal All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy in St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, NJ. His Eminence was co-served by the cathedral’s pastor emeritus, Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, cathedral dean Archpriest Serge Lukianov, and parish clerics Archpriest Boris Slootsky, Priest Seraphim Chemodakov, Protodeacon Leonid Roschko, and Deacon Paul Drozdowski.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion and the clergy served a litiya for the newly departed architect and builder of the cathedral Nicholas Karsanov.

His Eminence congratulated the clergy and parishioners on the radiant feast of Christ’s Nativity, and addressed the faithful with a sermon, in which he said, in part, "This feast brings us great joy and the grace of God; peace and calm indwell our souls, because we sense all the more clearly that which the Lord has accomplished for the sake of our salvation: He Himself, being eternal God, became Man, while simultaneously remaining God, in order to restore us to our prior, heavenly state." Metropolitan Hilarion spoke about the Ancestors of God, whose memory the Holy Church celebrates on this day, and called on the faithful to lead a truly Christian life, following the example of the faith and piety of God’s saints.

The clergy and parishioners then proceeded next door to the main hall of Russian House "Rodina," where the parish’s Nativity Yolka was held – a colorful, costumed show prepared by the teachers, students, and parents of the parish school. Taking part in the Yolka were students from every grade. The children sang carols, recited poems, danced, and put on a show for the audience about the Tale of Prince Ivan & the Gray Wolf, and "Teremok."

The children began to prepare the plays and musical and dance numbers long before Christmas, and their preparation was reflected in an exciting and impressive concert. Various lighting and special effects were used during the presentation, which made it especially remarkable. During the second half of the event, Santa Claus arrived, and along with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion, distributed presents to the children. A delicious luncheon was also prepared for the clergy and participants of the feast.

The clergy and audience members expressed their heartfelt thanks to the producers of the Nativity Yolka, parish school teachers Lubov Volski and Anna Molenhoff, choreographer Katherine Rimakis, chairwoman of the parents’ committee Vera Mackanic, and Michael (Bill) Mackanic and Dimitri Grachev for the decorations, lighting, and technical support provided for the presentation.

Liturgy Photos

Howell, NJ: Metropolitan Hilarion leads Divine Services in Diocesan Cathedral - 01/11/15

(56 images)


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Eastern American Diocese | Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia