On April 11, the Sunday of Venerable John of the Ladder (Climacus), Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were parish rector Archpriest Ion Arama and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric, accompanying the bishop).

In honor of the patronal feast – April 7, the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos – which took place several days before the hierarchical visit, the clergy served in blue vestments. Upon completion of Liturgy, a moleben was served to the Mother of God.

Metropolitan Hilarion offered belated congratulations to parishioners on the occasion of their patronal feast, and addressed them with a sermon on the subject of St. John Climacus.

After the service, a small (owing to restrictions connected to the pandemic) luncheon, prepared by the sisterhood, was served in the parish hall.