On June 15-16, the afterfeast of the Ascension of our Lord and the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Sts. Theodore Church in Buffalo, NY, where he officiated the celebrations in honor of one of the parish’s patron saints ‒ the Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates ‒ and the translation of his relics.

Bishop Luke’s visit began with an intimate luncheon in the rectory’s garden patio and a private gathering with Reader John Keller and the family of the rector, Priest Andrew Hammond, before the All-Night Vigil. The Vigil was accompanied by the beautiful singing of the choir, led by Reader Paul Trinca. Following the Vigil, a meal was hosted for the clergy by Matushka Sophia Hammond, in which the parish’s rector, two deacons, and three readers were able to sit with Bishop Luke and strengthen the bonds of clergy with their bishop.

On Sunday at Divine Liturgy, Bishop Luke was greeted by parish head sister Natalia Davies with the traditional bread and salt. Bishop Luke celebrated Liturgy, co-served by parish clergy: Fr. Andrew Hammond and Deacons George Hammond and Daniel Watkins. The service of the clergy was accompanied by the beautiful singing of the parish choir, led by Matushka Ioanna Hammond.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Luke delivered an uplifting homily to enrich the parishioner’s lives in Christ. Fr. Andrew thanked Bishop Luke for his attendance at the celebration of one of the parish’s patronal feast days. This was followed by a group photo as the parish continues to expand with growing families and a continuing stream of new faithful.

After the service, the sisterhood, under the leadership of Natalia Davies, provided a bountiful festal meal. Prior to his departure, Bishop Luke was able to be amongst the people, engaging and building intimate relationships with the faithful.

May God continue to strengthen the faithful by His divine grace to carry on the mission of this holy household blessed by Archbishop Averky (Taushev; +1976) as an English-speaking missionary church of the Russian Church Abroad to bring to these lands the light of truth and piety to one day baptize this nation into Holy Orthodoxy. Through the prayers of the Holy Great Martyrs Theodore Stratelates and Theodore Tyro, may God strengthen them to carry out this vision into the future!