On Friday the 27th and Saturday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Eastern American Diocese vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Assumption Church in Stafford, VA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Friday evening, His Grace officiated the All-Night Vigil, and on Saturday morning celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen; rector of St. Herman of Alaska Church in Stafford), Archpriest Victor Potapov (dean of the Capital Region), Hieromonk Aidan (Keller; cleric of St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki Skete in Spotsylvania, VA), parish rector Priest John Trepatschko, Protodeacon Nicholas Trepatschko (parish cleric), Deacon Gregory Trubetskoy (cleric of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in wAshington, DC), and Deacon Joseph Sirko (cleric of St. Herman of Alaska Church).

The services were held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Many members from the neighboring St. Herman of Alaska parish joined in venerating and glorifying the Mother of our Lord Jesus Christ. The small choir sang superbly under th organization and direction of Matushka Nina Trepatschko.

Following Liturgy, a moleben was served and a luncheon was held in honor of the feast.