On Saturday the 15th and Sunday the 16th of March, the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY, where he officiated the divine services.

At the doors of the church, parish warden Chrystopher Nugent greeted the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

Archimandrite Theophylact (Clapper-DeWell), much loved by parishioners, came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to serve and share in the celebration. All of the local clergy: rector Archpriest Gregory Naumenko (at Vigil), Protodeacon Andrej Strapko, Deacon Nathan Reff, and Deacon Steven Prokopienko also concelebrated with the Metropolitan.

The services were adorned by the presence of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

During the reading of the Hours, Metropolitan Nicholas tonsured James Kroll and John Reimer readers.

The choir sang beautifully and prayerfully. Nearly all of the parishioners had properly prepared and partook of Holy Confession and Holy Communion.

After Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas delivered a sermon, during which he expounded on the life of the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla; +2008) who reposed on this day 17 years ago.

A lenten luncheon was held in the parish refectory, where interaction continued.

In the afternoon, Metropolitan Nicholas blessed the new home constructed on the parish property.