EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 29 January 2024
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad visits Epiphany Church in Boston

On 20-21 January, 2024, the Sunday after Theophany, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York paid an archpastoral visit to Russian Orthodox Church of the Epiphany in Roslindale (Boston), MA, where he officiated the divine services. His Eminence’s visit was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast day – the great feast of the Theophany of the Lord – which had taken place on January 19.

Joining the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad at the All-Night Vigil on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning were: Archpriest Michael Crowley (Dean of New England); Archpriest Victor Boldewskul (Parish Rector); Protodeacon Alexander Jarostchuk (parish cleric); Protodeacon Eugene Kallaur (cleric of St Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY, accompanying His Eminence); Protodeacon Victor Ganson (parish cleric) and Deacon Dimitry Doohovskoy (cleric of St Xenia Church in Methuen, MA). Parish cleric Archpriest Thomas Reske prayed in altar.

To the joy and spiritual uplifting of the faithful, Metropolitan Nicholas was accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of Mother of God, which parishioners venerated throughout the services.

The parish choir sang beautifully under the direction of Subdeacon Nicholas Ganson.

Upon completion of Liturgy, the First Hierarch delivered a sermon on the feast of Theophany, and underscored the spiritual significance of the Most Holy Theotokos in the lives of the faithful, demonstrated by her presence in her wonderworking icon.

His Eminence then presented diocesan gramotas to Fr Alexander Jarostchuk his faithful service to the parish and Diocese in honor of the upcoming 25th anniversary of his diaconal ordination, and for his tireless efforts in assisting the rector with the expansion project of the church building and his care in the maintenance of the church and teaching in the parish school; and to Peter Gaudet, for his invaluable work as parish treasurer and parish council member, his assistance in the day-to-day care of the parish and church, especially during the period of construction, and working with the parish rector in overseeing parish finances.

Metropolitan Nicholas thanked Fr Victor and the faithful for their invitation and the clergy for their joint prayer, and greeted all on their recent patronal feast. He likewise congratulated the parish in paying off the construction loan ahead of schedule, and encouraged the building of a parish center.

After the service, a banquet was held at local St John of Damascus Church, during which the parish school put on a performance of "Cinderella." Choir members, school students, and young adults sang carols, and interaction between the hierarch, clergy, and parishioners continued long into the day before Metropolitan Nicholas and the Kursk Icon departed for home.

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