Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan Performs an Ordination into the Deaconate

On the feast day of the Annunciation of the Mother of God, His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan, Vicar Bishop of the Diocese of Eastern America and New York, performed Divine Liturgy at Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY. On the eve, Bishop Gabriel performed all-night vigil at the Synodal Cathedral, at which His Grace Bishop Kallistos (Ware) of Diokleia prayed in the altar. Bishop Kallistos is the author of the renowned book "The Orthodox Church."

This was an unforgettable Divine Liturgy. It is difficult to describe the joyous and spiritually-elevated mood of the worshipers. The choir sang magnificently, having prepared well in advance of this celebration. The church shone with splendor thanks to the efforts of the sisterhood and devoted parishioners. The church and everything in it shone as though it were Pascha. The holy excitement was seen on the beaming faces of the parishioners. The altar was filled with clergymen and altar boys. At the specified time of the Liturgy, Bishop Gabriel ordained into the deaconate Subdeacon Serge Ohotin, son of the Rector of Annunciation Church, Mitred Protopriest Alexey Ohotin, Dean of the First Deanery of the Diocese, and brother of the Communications Director of the Synod of Bishops, Nicholas A Ohotin.

Deacon Serge will serve at Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ and at Our Lady "Joy of All Who Sorrow" Church in Philadelphia, PA.

The majority of parishioners who gathered for this feast day partook of Christ's Holy Gifts. At the end of Liturgy, everyone descended to the trapeza, which was also attended by clergymen from nearby parishes. The main table was adorned with flowers and filled with clergymen. The wonderful weather this day drew people to walk the grounds of the church and to watch children play. The trapeza ended only after four o'clock in the afternoon.

A participant