On March 7-8, the Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, visited Sts. Theodore Church in Buffalo, NY. Traveling from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, Bishop Luke came to lead the parish’s liturgical celebrations and spend time with the faithful of the community.

Upon his arrival on Saturday afternoon, Bishop Luke was welcomed at the rectory with a luncheon hosted by Matushka Sophia Hammond. Present were warden Alexander Miller and his wife Genevieve, along with sisterhood president Natalia Davis. Later that evening, the parish gathered for the All-Night Vigil in preparation for Sunday’s celebration. Following the service, the parish sisterhood hosted a clergy dinner, offering an opportunity for fellowship and conversation.

On Sunday morning, Bishop Luke was greeted by the parish with the traditional offering of bread and salt, presented by Natalia Davis. The bread had been prepared by parishioner Robert Lloyd as a sign of the parish’s hospitality.

Bishop Luke celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by parish clergy: rector Priest Andrew Hammond and Deacons George Hammond and Daniel Watkins. The services were accompanied by the singing of the parish choir, with Reader Paul Trinca leading the chanting at Vigil and Matushka Ioanna Hammond directing at Liturgy. Readers Andrew and Ryan also contributed to the chanting throughout the services. Assisting during the hierarchical Liturgy were Reader Nicholas Pavuk and Subdeacon Valentine.

At the conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Luke delivered a homily encouraging the faithful to cultivate consistency in their lives for Christ. Reflecting on the struggle of the Christian life, he reminded those present never to fall into despair but always to turn to God with sincere repentance and hope in His rich mercy.

After the service, the parish gathered for a Lenten meal prepared by members of the community. Before his departure, Bishop Luke spent time with parishioners, speaking with the faithful and strengthening the bonds of fellowship within the parish.

The community gave thanks for the blessing of His Grace’s visit and for the opportunity to gather together in prayer. May the Lord continue to strengthen this parish as it carries forward the mission entrusted to it by Archbishop Averky (Taushev; +1976) of blessed memory: to bear witness in these lands to the light of truth and piety. Through the prayers of the Holy Great Martyrs Theodore Stratelates and Theodore Tyro, may God grant the faithful strength to continue steadfastly in this sacred calling.

Priest Andrew Hammond