On Wednesday, March 18, after the conclusion of the Northern Lenten Clergy Retreat, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in the capital city of New York, Albany. This visit has become a yearly tradition for the parish as the Metropolitan serves the Mystery of Holy Unction for the faithful.

In the evening. a very large number of the faithful gathered under the protection of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. The choir, led by director John Schuler, beautifully sang the Lenten hymns and responses.

Serving alongside the Metropolitan were: Archpriest Michael Fritz (parish cleric), Archimandrite Theophylact (Clapper-DeWell; deputy abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY), Archpriest Elias Gorsky (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), Archpriest Alexis Duncan (parish rector), Hieromonk Anatoly (Zilin; cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery), and parish Protodeacons Michael Soloviev and Nikifor Franklin.

Near the conclusion of Holy Unction, the Gospel was read by the Metropolitan as it was being held over the heads of the faithful, who prostrated. 

The anointing was lengthy, as many Orthodox Christians reverently came forward and were blessed by the Metropolitan and all the priests. Parishioners had the opportunity to visit with their archpastor after the service, and the sisterhood prepared a wonderful light supper for the visiting guests.

Archpriest Alexis Duncan
Rector