SYNOD OF BISHOPS: October 6, 2006
The Kursk-Root Hermitage Celebrates its Feast Day

Sunday, September 24, was the feast day of the Kursk-Root Hermitage, celebrated on the Nativity of the Mother of God. Officiating at the open-air services at the chapel was Vicar Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern America and New York, His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan, who, to the great joy of the worshipers, brought the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign." His Grace was joined by Protopriest Wsewolod Dutikow; Protopriest Alexander Donchenko; Priest Ilya Gun; Priest Alexander Botschagow; Priest Vadim Arefiev; Hieromonk Tikhon; and Hieromonk Evtikhii; along with Deacon Vladimir Tsurikov and Deacon Vladimir Oliynik.

Many guests from neighboring parishes came. Fr Wsewolod's parish rented a bus, renewing an old tradition wherein enormous numbers of pilgrims would come to Mahopac for the holiday. Fr Vadim brought many parishioners and residents of his House of Mercy. A total of approximately 250 people were in attendance.

The sisterhood and parishioners worked hard to organize a festive trapeza and bazaar. Especially noteworthy were the efforts of Viacheslav and Olga Maltsev. The celebration was glorious!

A participant.