8/5/26
The patronal feast of St. Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff was marked by a Primatial Divine Liturgy
On the day of the uncovering of the relics of St. Seraphim, the Wonderworker of Sarov, our Russian Orthodox parish in Sea Cliff, Long Island, celebrates its patronal feast day—July 19/August 1.
On the eve, before the All-Night Vigil, a lesser blessing of water was served along with an akathist to St. Seraphim before an antique icon containing a particle of his holy relics. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York led the All-Night Vigil. Concelebrating with the First-Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was the rector of the church, Archpriest Serafim Gan, with Protodeacons Pavel Wolkow and Eugene Kallaur, in the presence of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign." Following the service, His Eminence greeted the assembled parishioners, wishing them a joyful and prayerful celebration of their patronal feast. The rector and his wife then offered refreshments in the parish house, where the First-Hierarch, clergy, and parishioners enjoyed some fellowship.
The next day, His Eminence celebrated the Divine Liturgy, assisted by parish clergy and guests: Archimandrite Gabriel (Pigarev), Archpriest Alexander Antchoutine, and Priest Victor Ganson, grandson of the church's longtime rector, the ever-memorable Bishop Mitrofan (Znosko-Borovsky). The service took place under the holy protection of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign." As the day before, the church choir, directed by A.S. Slobodskoy, sang beautifully and with inspiration. At the end of the service, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas delivered a sermon on St. Seraphim as a great man of prayer, calling on the faithful to follow the example of his pious life.
It is impossible not to note with great satisfaction the exceptionally high prayerful disposition of those gathered – this was evident in the very large number of individuals who partook of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. This open prayerful fervor of parishioners and friends left an extremely gratifying impression.
Upon conclusion of the Liturgy and moleben with the reading of the prayer to St. Seraphim, His Eminence congratulated the rector of the church his name day, and then presented the church with a valuable gift—a spoon for administering Holy Communion to the laity.
The rector of the church offered a special welcome and thanks to His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas, the clergy, subdeacons and altar servers, singers, and the faithful worshippers, wishing them all a personal encounter with God in the church, to love and cherish their church, and to reverently enjoy all that it offers. He then presented His Eminence, who quietly and prayerfully celebrated the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the diaconate this year, with an icon of the Mother of God.
The celebration concluded with a traditional and magnificent feast offered by the Sisterhood, headed by Elizabeth Mikheev. The meal took place in an atmosphere of joy and spiritual unity. Warm words of welcome words were spoken by His Eminence, the clergy, and guests. At the end of the meal, Fr. Serafim, expressing gratitude to the Sisterhood and benefactors, wished everyone a peaceful spirit, mutual respect, patience for one another, and brotherly love, around whom "thousands are saved,"
One can be sure that all participants in this radiant celebration truly left the meal illuminated by the grace and blessing of St. Seraphim.
Photos: Vladimir Gaberman |
