On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of October, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY. His Grace’s visit was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast day, which had taken place on the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos the Monday prior.
Bishop Luke led the divine services, co-served by Archpriest Gregory Naumenko (parish rector), Abbot Theophylact (Clapper-de-Well; cleric of Holy Trinity Monastery), and Protodeacons Andrej Strapko (parish cleric) and Nikifor Franklin (cleric of Holy Virgin Intercession Church in Glen Cove, NY)
At Liturgy on Sunday morning, after the Eucharistic Canon, Subdeacon Nathan Reff was ordained to the diaconate. The newly ordained Deacon Nathan will fulfill his service at Protection of the Mother of God Church.
Upon conclusion of the service, Bishop Luke delivered an inspiring homily, in which he offered valuable and practical spiritual instruction.
After a short moleben to the Most Holy Mother of God, Bishop Luke awarded a gramota from Metropolitan Hilarion to Protodeacon Andrej and Dr. Elena Strapko for their exemplary generosity to the Church and in honor of Fr. Andrej’s 20th anniversary of diaconal service. His Grace also blessed the Platte family with an Icon of the Protection of the Mother of God, which had been obtained as a farewell gift by the parish sisterhood. On Monday, October 28, the Platte family is moving to Sergiev Posad in Russia.
After Liturgy, the parish sisterhood provided a bountiful festal meal. Under the Protection of the
Mother of God, our celebration was truly beneficial for all. Glory to our God!
Archpriest Gregory Naumenko
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