On Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th of October, the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, led the patronal feast of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY.

On Sunday morning, the greeting of the bishop was followed by the vesting, the Hours, and hierarchical Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with His Grace were: pastor emeritus Archpriest George Larin, parish rector Archpriest Elias Gorsky, Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), and Protodeacon Dimitri Temidis and Deacon Andrei Podymow (parish clerics).

The choir sang beautifully under the direction of Victor Gonchar. Many were in attendance and many visitors came from other parishes.

In his sermon, Bishop Nicholas spoke about the feast, and mentioned the examples that we need to take with us: aside from praying at home, we need to attend the divine services and be faithful parishioners. The church building is consecrated and it is within the Holy Church that we receive the Holy Sacraments and blessings from God. We must always remember that the Theotokos hears our prayers if they are sincere and from the heart, and as a loving Mother, she will help us and pray for us before her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, a short moleben was served with a procession with stations at the four sides of the church. Returning inside, the vicar of the Eastern American Diocese greeted the parish on behalf of the First Hierarch, Metropolitan Hilarion, in honor of their patronal feast. The Polychronion was then intoned for the clergy and parishioners.

In return, Fr. Elias greeted His Grace and thanked him for his archpastoral visit and prayers.

After the service, a luncheon was held in the parish hall, where a familial atmosphere reigned. Bishop Nicholas spoke, again greeting the faithful and thanking the sisterhood. His Grace spoke briefly about his travels to Central Asia, Kursk, and Kazakhstan with the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

It was truly a warm parish feast day which brought joy to all in attendance.