On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of November, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) performed an archpastoral visit to St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, MA.

On Saturday morning, Metropolitan Jonah celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by parish rector Archpriest Spyridon Schneider, Archpriest Michael Crowley (dean of New England), Priest Ephraim Willmarth and Hieromonk Theodore (Stanway; clerics of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY), Deacon John Sarantakis (cleric of St. Xenia Church in Methuen, MA), Deacon Vitaly Permiakov (cleric of Three Hierarchs OCA Chapel in Yonkers, NY), and Deacon Matthew LaVita (parish cleric).

During the reading of the Hours, Matthew Joyce was tonsured a reader. After the Eucharistic Canon, with the blessing of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Metropolitan Jonah ordained Subdeacon Peter James to the holy diaconate. The sisterhood prepared a lovely lunch for parishioners and visitors following Liturgy.

On Sunday morning, Divine Liturgy was once again celebrated in the church by Metropolitan Jonah, co-served by the above-mentioned clergy, as well as Archpriest Chad Williams (rector of St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Richmond, ME). The parish choir sang beautifully and prayerfully. After the Great Entrance, Metropolitan Jonah ordained Deacon Peter James to the priesthood. The newly ordained Priest Peter will fulfill his service at St. John the Russian Church.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Jonah, Fr. Peter’s spiritual father, offered words of encouragement and love to him and his Matushka Lucia as they begin their beautiful and sacrificial life, serving others for the Church.

After the service, the parish put on a grand feast for the many visitors and parishioners, where fellowship and conversation continued.

Fr. Peter James is a recent graduate (2022) of Holy Trinity Seminary. He previously studied Slavic Languages and Literature, which led him to travel in Russia. Upon completing his undergraduate work, he taught in Russia, where he met his wife Lucine (Lucia). He and Matushka Lucia moved to Ipswich, MA in September 2022 with their daughter Sophia.