On Thursday, October 26, the Pastoral Conference for clergy and matushkas of the Eastern American Diocese and the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, being held at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, concluded with a hierarchal Divine Liturgy.

Celebrating Liturgy in Holy Trinity Cathedral was Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad. His Eminence was co-served by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, and a multitude of diocesan, Patriarchal, and monastery clergy.

A multitude of the faithful – regular parishioners, pilgrims, and conference attendees – filled the cathedral for the service, which proceeded under the aegis of the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God. Liturgy was sung in Slavonic and English by the seminary choir, augmented by voices from among the Conference participants, under the direction of Reader Nicholas Kotar.

During the Communion of the clergy, Priest Stephen Kaznica (rector of Sts. Peter & Paul Patriarchal Cathedral in Passaic, NJ) addressed the gathered worshippers with a sermon on the life and legacy of Brother Jose Muñoz-Cortes, the 20th anniversary of whose martyr death will take place on October 31. The sermon will be published in its entirety separately.

The faithful then communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries from two chalices.

After Liturgy, a bountiful luncheon was served for all present in the monastery refectory, after which a group photo was taken.

Metropolitan Hilarion addressed everyone who had come for the Conference, thanking then “for your participation, for your prayers, for your love for your flock. We [the bishops] wish you God’s richest blessings, so that you might continue in good health, with strength and zeal to lead your flock along the path to salvation. May our Lord Jesus Christ bless you as you return home, and we hope that we will soon meet again in unity and brotherly love.” His Eminence thanked monastery abbot Archimandrite Luke (Murianka) and the entire brethren for hosting the Pastoral Conference with patience and in good spirits.

Conference participants returned home energized by the past several days together, glorifying God and thankful for the time spent with their fellow clergy and matushkas.