May 3/16 is the feast day of Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Caves – the founder of cœnobitic monasticism in Rus’. This year marks the 950th anniversary of the blessed repose of the great abbot and founder of the future Kiev Caves Lavra. On this day – Thursday, May 16 – the brethren and parishioners of the parish of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port, FL, also gathered to honor the second anniversary of the repose of the founder of their community – the ever-memorable Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad (2008-2022).

The evening prior, Wednesday, May 15, the All-Night Vigil was served to St. Theodosius. Serving Vigil and celebrating Divine Liturgy were Hieromonk Arkadii (Polishchuk) and Deacon Alexander Kharitoniuk. Singing on kliros were parish rector Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk) and Hierodeacon Paisius (Alexeevets). After Liturgy, at which a large number of parishioners and guests had gathered, Fr. Arkadii greeted them all with Paschaltide and spoke about the significance of Venerable Theodosius in the life of the ancient Church and for all of monasticism.

Frs. Stefan and Alexander served a panihida, after which the rector addressed all those present and spoke about the importance of remembering and praying for our preceptors and pastors; he spoke about the life and pastoral example given to all by Metropolitan Hilarion.

The brethren then lovingly offered a luncheon to all, which had been prepared the day before. The brethren and parishioners remembered the Metropolitan with love – his joy, love, hospitality, meekness, and humility. It was Metropolitan Hilarion who first blessed the founding of the community, always offered wise and practice advise, expressed interest in issues of church life, and always prayerfully supported the brethren.

The brethren believe and hope that His Eminence has not ceased to pray for them in the next life, as well.