On Sunday, December 22, the feast of the Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos by the Righteous Anna, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the main cathedral of Holy Trinity Monastery.

After the Great Entrance, with the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion, His Grace ordained Deacon Andrew Hammond (cleric of Sts. Theodore Church in Buffalo, NY) to the priesthood. In the near future, the newly ordained Priest Andrew will assume rectorship of Sts. Theodore parish – where he currently serves as second priest with his brother, Deacon George Hammond – from current rector Priest John Boddecker. Fr. John, in turn, will be continuing his service at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville.

Many years to the newly ordained Priest Andrew!