Patronal Feast at St. Sergius Parish

St. Sergius Parish (Tolstoy Foundation) celebrated its patron saint, St. Sergius of Radonezh, on July 18 with a Hierarchical service and a festive luncheon. Archbishop Andronik made a pastoral visit and presided at both the All-Night Vigil and the Divine Liturgy, concelebrating with Rector Fr. Gregory Kotlaroff, Fr. Dmitriy Dobronravov from Holy Trinity Parish in Astoria, and Fr. Oleg Gritsenko, a dear guest from the West Coast (Seattle). The following morning, at the Divine Liturgy, the clergy expanded to include Hegumen Ignatiy from the Trenton Parish. During the reading of the Hours, Vladika Andronik tonsured Peter Budzilovich, one of the parish choir conductors, as a Reader.

Despite the summer heat of the preceding weeks, by the grace of God the feast day itself turned out to be beautiful, making the outdoor luncheon following the service an especially joyful event. Heartfelt congratulations were extended to the Bishop, clergy, parishioners, special guest, and the newly tonsured Reader Peter.