On Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th of June, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the hierarchal divine services in honor of the patronal feast of St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, MA.

Concelebrating with Metropolitan Nicholas at the All-Night Vigil were the rector, Archpriest Spyridon Schneider), and parish clerics: Priest Peter James and Deacon Matthew LaVita. The parish choir chanted beautifully. Following Vigil, the sisterhood provided a wonderful meal.

On Saturday morning, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by the aforementioned clergy, as well as: Archpriest Michael Crowley (dean of New England), Archpriest Chad Williams (rector of St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Richmond, ME), Priest Photios Zelinski (rector of St. Polycarp of Smyrna Mission in Sanford, ME), Protodeacon Gregory Petrochko and Deacons Joseph & Christopher Kimball (clerics of St. Alexander Nevsky Church), and Deacon Alexander Doohovskoy (cleric of St. Xenia Church in Methuen, MA).

Again, the choir chanted beautifully and prayerfully throughout the service. Immediately following Liturgy, everyone processed to the parish’s beautiful well in the garden, which Metropolitan Nicholas blessed, then sprinkling the people and church with holy water.

Upon conclusion of the divine service, Metropolitan Nicholas offered words of encouragement to the clergy, choir, sisterhood, and parishioners, emphasizing the importance of living a Christian life and demonstrating to all what it means to be a faithful Orthodox Christian who leads by example within the parish community and to all of those we encounter outside our community. Metropolitan Nicholas emphasized that our prayers and fasting, the way we dress and present ourselves, our manners and how we conduct ourselves can be an example to those around us. He encouraged all of us to live according to the example of St. John the Russian, who lived a life of humility, obedience, and prayer. His Eminence also emphasized that though we are not imprisoned like St. John, we do live in a difficult time and we can learn from his life and example.

After Liturgy, the sisterhood provided a grand feast including fresh haddock from the local waters. The church and function hall were adorned with beautiful flowers and the church sparkled. Parishioners and visitors enjoyed wonderful fellowship on the church grounds.