On Saturday, December 19, the feast of the Holy Hierarch & Wonderworker Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Stratford, CT, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy for the parish’s patronal feast day. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Dimitri Jakimowicz (parish rector) and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City).

Singing the divine services was a mixed choir of parishioners and guests under the direction of N. Przybylski.

A multitude of parishioners prayed at Liturgy, observing the established pandemic requirements, with most communing of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Fr. Dimitri thanked the First Hierarch for his archpastoral visit and prayers.

Upon completion of the service, a short moleben was served. A festal luncheon was then offered in the parish home for the clergy.