THE 2ND DAY OF PASCHA

On Monday, April 21st, the second day of the Bright Resurrection of Christ—Pascha—the clergy of the diocese and the faithful greeted Archbishop Andronik of New York and North America with the Paschal greeting at the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh at Tolstoy Foundation.

His Eminence, a hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, was concelebrated by the parish rector, Protopresbyter Gregory, along with Igumen Ignaty, Protopriest Dimitry, and Protopriest Stefan. The altar was filled with youth and children from among the parishioners who took part in the Hierarchical Paschal Divine Liturgy. With joy, the clergy exclaimed, “Christ is Risen!” and the faithful responded loudly, “Truly He is Risen!”—expressing their joy and triumph in the victory of Jesus Christ over death and hell. The liturgical hymns were performed by the choir of St. Sergius of Radonezh, composed of parishioners. Their joyful and Paschal singing echoed throughout the church and touched the hearts of all present. Thanks to the clergy and choir, the radiant joy of the Bright Resurrection of Christ could truly be felt by all.

Pascha has always been the most beloved, radiant, and therefore the longest celebration in the life of Christians.

After the conclusion of the Liturgy, all those present congratulated the rector of the church, Protopresbyter Gregory, on his Name’s Day and sang “Many Years” to him. Father Gregory has dedicated himself—heart and soul—to this parish for 43 years.

Thanks to the Sisterhood of the church, who worked hard to prepare a variety of delicious Paschal dishes, the celebration of the Holy Resurrection of Christ continued at the shared festive table.