On Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of February, the parishioners of the Holy New Martyrs Church in Norwich, CT celebrated their patronal feast day. The festal celebrations in honor of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia were led by His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop George of Mayfield. At the All-Night Vigil on Saturday evening, the church was filled with worshippers from the parish and visitors from throughout New England. His Grace and parish clergy, rector Priest Kevin Kalish and Protodeacon Nicholas Drobot, were joined by Archpriest Brendan Crowley (rector of St. Nicholas Church in West Springfield, MA) and Priest Anthony Perkins (rector of St. Michael’s Ukrainian Church in Woonsocket, RI).

On Sunday, after the children of the parish greeted him, Bishop George celebrated the Divine Liturgy. His Grace was co-served by the parish clergy and Priest David Kinghorn (rector of St. Cuthbert Church in Pawtucket, RI). During the reading of the Sixth Hour, parishioner Cyril Gregoire was tonsured a reader. The church was filled with worshippers, and the choir sang the Liturgy beautifully and prayerfully.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, Bishop George greeted the parishioners and spoke about the lives and sufferings of the Holy New Martyrs of Russia. Then, in recognition of the many contributions of their time, talents, resources, and years of dedication to the parish, two parishioners were awarded diocesan Gramotas ‒ Nicholas Horochivsky and Anne Mahalawich.

Afterwards Bishop George, the clergy, and the parishioners partook of a bountiful, festal meal in the parish hall.