On Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th of May – the 7th Sunday after Pascha, commemorating the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, and likewise the day when the Holy Church celebrates the memory of the Holy Equals-of-the-Apostles Methodius and Cyril, Teachers of the Slavs – with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Bishop Nikolai (Soraich) paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services.

Serving alongside His Grace were cathedral clerics: Archpriest Vasily Andrejuk, rector Archpriest Serge Lukianov, Priest Anthony Williams, Protodeacons Paul Drozdowski and Alexandre Sarandinaki, and Deacon Dumitru Lišan.

The parish choir sang beautifully under the direction of Andrei Roudenko.

The majority of those present communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Nikolai addressed the faithful with a sermon, reflecting on the example of Sts. Methodius and Cyril in our modern times.

Fr. Serge then welcomed His Grace, thanking him for his prayers and edifying words. Fr. Serge presented His Grace with a cross and panagia set, the latter bearing the image of the Holy Right-Believing Great Prince Alexander Nevsky, which had previously belonged to the ever-memorable Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral; +2022).

A festal meal was held in the parish hall, where the hierarch, clergy, and faithful enjoyed informal fellowship with one another.

On Monday, May 25, Bishop Nikolai (Soraich) once more celebrated Divine Liturgy.

Joining the above-mentioned cathedral clergy were: Archpriests Ljubo Milosevic (rector of Holy Trinity Church in Vineland), Leonid Goferman (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in New Brunswick), and Nikolai Manduke (cleric of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson); and Protodeacon Serafim Komleski (cleric of St. Elizabeth Church in Rocky Hill).

Upon conclusion of the service, Bishop Nikolai addressed the congregation with a sermon, offering heartfelt recollections of the ever-memorable founder and longtime celebrant of the cathedral, Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov; on this day, the clergy and faithful marked the eighth anniversary of his blessed repose. Fr. Serge also shared various memories regarding the life of Fr. Valery.

Bishop Nikolai then led a panihida for Fr. Valery.

A luncheon was held in the cathedral hall, and a remarkable film was screened, featuring Fr. Valery’s final sermon.