Metropolitan Hilarion celebrated the Liturgy in St. Michael’s Church on the 25th anniversary of Metropolitan Philaret’s Repose

The Most Reverend PHILARET - Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, 3rd First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad 1903-1985

21/11/2010

Russian Church outside Russia

On Sunday, November 21, on the feast day of the Holy Archangel Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Hosts, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in St. Michael’s Church in Paterson, NJ. The First Hierarch came to Paterson specifically, not only to mark the parish’s patronal feast day, but also in order to honor the memory of one of his predecessors, Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky), on the 25th anniversary of his blessed repose.

His Eminence was co-served by the Dean of New England and Upstate New York, Archpriest George Larin, Eastern American Diocesan Secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov, rector Archpriest George Zelenin, Protodeacon Sergei Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent in Novo-Diveevo, NY), Deacon Leonid Roschko (cleric of St. George’s Church in Howell, NJ), Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; cleric of the Australian Diocese), and Deacon Anthony Bryant (cleric of St. Katherine Church in Pelion, SC).

During the Small Entrance, Metropolitan Hilarion awarded Protodeacon Sergei the right to wear the kamilavka for his fervent work on behalf of Christ’s Holy Church. After the Great Entrance, His Eminence ordained Fr. Anthony to the priesthood.
In his sermon, Metropolitan Hilarion praised Metropolitan Philaret as one of the pillars of the Church Abroad, under whose guidance the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia were glorified. As the last bishop to be ordained by Metropolitan Philaret, His Eminence shared some personal thoughts and memories of Vladyka.

After the Liturgy, a litiya was served for the repose of Metropolitan Philaret and his parents, Archbishop Dimitry and the handmaiden of God Lydia. A banquet was then offered in the parish hall, during which Fr. Serge Lukianov gave a short presentation on the life and service of Metropolitan Philaret.

After the presentation, a unique photomontage on the life and repose of our beloved Vladyka was shown. The montage, compiled by the by the Diocesan Media Office, featured over 200 historic photographs of Met. Philaret and was accompanied by a special soundtrack consisting of liturgical music and live audio recordings of Vladyka’s sermons. The combination of historic photographs and recordings of Metropolitan Philaret had a profound impact on the audience.
After the montage, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion gave the closing remarks and stressed the importance of honoring the memory of our beloved Metropolitan Philaret. Vladyka expressed his sincere gratitude to the rector and parishioners for hosting such a wonderful event.

His Eminence also thanked the Russian Youth Committee for their financial support and sponsorship of the montage presentation. For the last 25 years, the Youth Committee has worked tirelessly to preserve the memory of Met. Philaret and has graciously provided support to the Diocesan Media Office to assist in the research and design of the montage.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion, the montage on Metropolitan Philaret’s life will be shown in certain parishes during the visitation tour of the Kursk Root Icon.

Source: