On March 24, the first Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated the Triumph of Orthodoxy, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY, where he officiated the divine services.

Concelebrating with His Grace at Divine Liturgy were: Archpriest Alexis Duncan (parish rector) and parish clerics: Archpriest Michael Fritz and Protodeacons Michael Soloviev and Nikifor Franklin, as well as Deacon Konstantin Aleshin (cleric of Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY, accompanying the hierarch).

Bishop Jerome delivered two sermons: the first, in Russian, was on what the Sunday of Orthodoxy is not; and the second, in English, on what it is.

Following Liturgy, the Rite of Orthodoxy was served, with the appointed anathemas against the many pernicious heresies against which the Church warns the faithful.

After the service, Fr. Alexis thanked His Grace for his archpastoral visit and shared prayers.

The weather in Upstate New York still being much colder at this time of year, the visitors found a "winter wonderland" upon their arrival. The parish sisterhood prepared a bountiful Lenten luncheon with several courses and desserts.

After a long afternoon of fellowship and interaction, the faithful returned to their homes filled with spiritual joy.