On Wednesday, March 19, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA.

After the Hours & Typica, more than 30 priests and deacons assembled to greet His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. Concelebrating with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) and Bishop Irenei of London & Western Europe.

At the Little Entrance, by the decree of the Synod of Bishops, Metropolitan Nicholaas bestowed the following ecclesiastical awards:

• Priest Michael Dunstan (diocesan cleric) was elevated to the rank of archpriest, and
• Priests Elias Crowder (rector of St. Martin of Tours Mission in Montgomery, AL) and Joseph Gagliano (cleric of the same) were awarded the right to wear the kamilavka.

To the joy of the clergy and parishioners, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God was present for the duration of the retreat and divine services.

The parish choir prayerfully adorned the service. Despite its being a workday, many faithful came and received Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

At the conclusion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas delivered a sermon, during which he reminded the clergy and faithful returning home to their parishes to remain steadfast in faith, especially for the duration of Great Lent. He expressed his sincere gratitude to parish rector Archimandrite John (Townsend) and the parish for their generous hospitality.

A group photograph was taken, after which all gathered for a farewell lenten luncheon on the church portico.