On Wednesday, April 5, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts in St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA.

After the Hours & Typica, the more than 50 priests and deacons assembled to greet His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. Concelebrating with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen).

At the Little Entrance, Archpriest Alexander Logunov (rector of Reigning Icon of the Mother of God Church in Charlotte, NC) was awarded the right to wear the jeweled cross, while Priest Eugene Antonov (rector of Joy of All Who Sorrow Church in Cumming, GA) was awarded the right to wear the gold pectoral cross.

The parish choir prayerfully adorned the service. Despite its being a workday, many local parishioners came and received Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas delivered a sermon, in which he reminded all to complete the remainder of the Great Fast in prayer and contemplation, in order to triumphantly greet our Lord as He enters Jerusalem. He also expressed his gratitude to parish rector Archimandrite John (Townsend) and the parishioners for their generous hospitality.

A group photograph was taken, after which all gathered for a farewell lenten luncheon on the church portico.