On Tuesday, August 1, the feast of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, despite its being a workday, a large number of the faithful gathered at St. Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff, NY, the Memorial Church to the Reestablishment of Unity within the Russian Orthodox Church. The festal service was distinguished by its extraordinary splendor and profundity.

A solemn yet joyful atmosphere united all the participants of the feast. Their faces radiated elation and peace. The night before, the lesser blessing of water with an akathist to St. Seraphim and the All-Night Vigil with a litia, the blessing of the loaves, and the magnification of the saint were performed.

At the end of the evening service, the rector of the church, Archpriest Serafim Gan, invited all of the clergy, singers, and worshippers to a large reception in his residence, arranged through the efforts of his wife and his mother, which was held in a very friendly atmosphere.

Divine Liturgy on the very day of the feast was celebrated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, co-served by His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Seattle, first vicar of the Western American Diocese, the parish rector, local and visiting clergy (12 priests and four deacons), accompanied by jubilant singing by the parish choir under the direction of Nicolas Miro.

During the Communion of the clergy, Bishop Theodosius delivered a sermon on the feast. At the end of Liturgy, a moleben was served to St. Seraphim. Metropolitan Nicholas congratulated the rector, clergy, and parishioners on their patronal feast. In response, the rector, Fr. Serafim, greeted and thanked the First Hierarch, Bishop Theodosius, the clergy, altar boys, singers, and worshippers, saying that the memory of Venerable Seraphim comforts Orthodox Christians who continue to stand before God in prayer for the restoration of peace on earth.

The feast ended with a traditional and magnificent feast offered by the church sisterhood, headed by Elizabeth Mikheev. The meal was held in an atmosphere of joy, spiritual unity, and concord. The hierarchs, clergy, and guests delivered warm words of greeting.

At the end of the meal, the rector of the church, once again expressing his gratitude to the archpastors, clergy, subdeacons, altar boys, singers, sisterhood, and benefactors, wished everyone a peaceful disposition of spirit, mutual respect, patience with one another, and brotherly love, around those who possess such things "thousands are saved," asking the holy prayers of all.

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