On Friday, August 14, the feast of the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Hermitage of the Holy Protection in Buena, NJ.

Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Liubo Milosevic (rector of Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ) and Protodeacon Serge Ohotin (hermitage cleric).

Parishioners wonderfully adorned the church with flowers and floral arrangements for the feast. On the first day of the Dormition Fast, a multitude of parishioners gathered in the church, most of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas blessed water, as well as honey, which is traditionally done on this day.

In the church hall, the sisterhood organized a lenten luncheon for the clergy and parishioners