On Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd of March, the Sunday of St. John Climacus and feast day of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste – with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion – Metropolitan Jonah (former Primate of the Orthodox Church in America), visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, and led the divine services.

Metropolitan Jonah led the Polyeleos at the All-Night Vigil, and the following morning celebrated the Divine Liturgy. His Eminence was co-served by convent clergy: Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski, Archpriest Yaroslav Belikow, and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky. Upon completion of the Liturgy, "lark" cookies were handed out to the faithful in accordance with old Russian custom and in honor of the 40 Martyrs.

After the service, the hierarchal visitor met with the clergy and convent residents and spent time walking the monastery grounds in conversation with the clerics and monastics. The faithful expressed their gratitude Metropolitan Jonah for his prayers and warm words of pastoral instruction.