KHERSONES: July 25, 2017
Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York Performs a Moleben at the Site of the Baptism of St Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles

On July 19, 2017, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York arrived in Crimea on a pilgrimage. The First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was accompanied by His Grace Bishop Nikolai of Salavatsk and Kumertausk, along with a pilgrim group from the USA, Canada and Australia.

On July 21, Vladyka Hilarion and his delegation arrived in Khersones Tavrichesky. On the territory of St Vladimir Cathedral, the Primate of the Russian Church Abroad was joyfully greeted by Protopriest Sergy Khalyuta, Dean of the local deanery, and the cathedral’s clergymen.

Fr Sergy showed the delegation the cathedral and recounted its history. Metropolitan Hilarion and the other clerics then performed a moleben of gratitude in the upper church.

At the end of the service, Metropolitan Hilarion addressed the worshipers, and expressed joy over their visit to this ancient city, the site of the baptism of Holy Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, and thanked Fr Sergy for their hospitality.

In response, Fr Sergy thanked Vladyka Hilarion and Vladyka Nikolai for their visit to Sevastopol, wishing them and all the pilgrims spiritual happiness and Divine aid in all things. Fr Sergy then gave the hierarchs copies of an album, The Monastery of St Vladimir in Khersones.

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