On Sunday, February 9, the feast of the Synaxis of the New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

Monastery clergy served alongside His Grace. At the Little Entrance, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Deacon Nicholas Kotar (monastery cleric & director of Choral Programs, Instructor in the Department of Liturgics, Sacred Arts & Music at Holy Trinity Seminary) was awarded the right to wear the double orarion.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, a short moleben to the Holy New Martyrs was served. Bishop Luke then delivered a sermon on the feast and congratulated Fr. Nicholas on his namesday and deserved ecclesiastical award.