On Sunday, November 21, the feast day of the Holy Archangel of God Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Hosts, the clergy and parishioners of St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ, celebrated their patronal feast day. Officiating the feast were Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, and diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan.

Concelebrating with the hierarchs at Divine Liturgy were: Archpriest George Zelenin (parish rector), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric), and parish Deacon Andrei Logvinenko.

The service was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora ‒ the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Prior to the start of Liturgy, parishioner Serhii Silchenko was tonsured a reader, then ordained a subdeacon.

Faithful from New York and nearby cities came to the church to share in the joy of prayerful interaction with the clergy and parishioners. On this day when the Church especially honors the memory of the guardian angel of each one of the faithful, many communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion congratulated the clergy, parishioners, and guests with the feast of the Holy Archangel Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Hosts. His Eminence called on the faithful not to forget to pray to their guardian angels for success in every good work and for the salvation of their souls.

The clergy then read a prayer and sang the magnification to the Holy Archangel Michael and the other angels and archangels.

After the service, the clergy, parishioners, and guests were invited to a delicious luncheon prepared by the sisterhood. All had an opportunity to visit the water-blessing chapel.

The church’s patronal feast day continued in a warm and upbeat atmosphere, and concluded with informal interaction between the clergy and faithful.