On Friday, July 18, the feast of the Venerable New Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth, Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Rocky Hill, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

Concelebrating with His Grace at Liturgy were:

• Archpriest Serge Lukianov (dean of New Jersey)
• Archpriest David Straut (parish rector)
• Archpriest Leonid Goferman (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in New Brunswick, NJ)
• Protodeacon Seraphim Komleski (parish cleric)
• Protodeacon Michael Pavuk (cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY)
• Deacon Stephanos Bibas (cleric of Joy of All Who Sorrow Church in Philadelphia, PA), and
• Deacon Patrick Hinds (parish cleric).

After the Great Entrance, Bishop Luke ordained Fr. Patrick to the priesthood. The newly ordained Priest Patrick will continue fulfilling his obedience in St. Elizabeth Church.

The church was filled with worshippers. Parishioners and guests from neighboring parishes came to honor the Venerable New Martyr Elizabeth. Virtually all communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. A short moleben was served before the icon of the saint.

Bishop Luke greeted all with the feast, and spoke to those gathered about the life and martyric death of St. Elizabeth and her helper, the Nun Barbara.