On Tuesday, August 27, the eve of the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada 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.

That evening, His Eminence came to the Cathedral of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov to lead the All-Night Vigil, co-served by convent clergy: Archpriests Alexander Fedorowski and Yaroslav Belikow, Priest Artem Siss, Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, and Deacon Nicholas Illyin.

On Wednesday morning, August 28, the very day of the feast, the service began with an akathist to the Dormition of the Theotokos and the Lesser Blessing of water; the greeting of the Archbishop followed. The divine services were accompanied by the pious singing of the cathedral choir. A multitude of faithful confessed the previous evening and more did so prior to the start of the Divine Liturgy.

In his sermon, Archbishop Gabriel spoke about the importance the Mother of God is in our lives, as well as the significance of her holy Dormition.