EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 6 August 2025
Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada leads feast-day celebrations at St Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff

On the day of the Translation of the Relics of St Seraphim, the Wonderworker of Sarov, July 1, 2025, the Russian Orthodox Parish in Sea Cliff, NY, celebrated its patronal feast. On the eve, before all-night vigil, a minor blessing of water was performed with an akathist at an ancient icon of the saint, which contains a particle of his holy relics. At the end of the festive vigil, the rector of the church, Archpriest Serafim Gan, delivered a brief sermon about the significance of the prayer “Lord, have mercy,” which is repeatedly recited during the services, a prayer that should essentially always be with us to incline God’s mercy towards ourselves and others.

The next day, the Divine Liturgy, by the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, Liturgy was led by His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, assisted by the parish clergy and guests in holy orders. The deaconate was headed by Protodeacon Paul Wolkow. Although it was a weekday, the church was full of worshipers.

As the day before, the church choir conducted by Nicholas Miro sang excellently and enthusiastically. During "Blessed be the Name of the Lord," Archbishop Gabriel delivered a sermon on the Venerable Seraphim, characterizing him as a great intercessor and teacher of prayer, emphasizing that we should seek out the most typical trait of each saint and strive to emulate that trait, for God glorifies His saints for no other purpose than for us to endeavor to follow the example of their ascetic life.

It is impossible not to note with great satisfaction the exceptionally high prayerful disposition of those gathered — this was evident in the very large number of individuals who partook of the Holy Mysteries. The magnificent temple was adorned with new icons: of St Gabriel Ugrebadze — a gift from Metropolitan Nicholas, of the new martyrs of Votkinsk: Archpriest Nikolai and Varvara Chernyshyov, with relics of their saints — a gift from Metropolitan Viktor of Izhevsk and Udmurtia; of Saint Alexius, Metropolitan of Moscow and all Russia — a gift from Alexei and Maria Slobodskoy; and of Saint Jonah, Bishop of Hankou, who reposed 100 years ago.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy and moleben with the reading of the prayer to St Seraphim, His Eminence congratulated the rector of the church and other name-day celebrants on their name day, and then said a few warm words about Protodeacon Eugene Kallaur, who is marking the twentieth anniversary of his diaconal ministry. On this occasion, a special certificate from the Eastern American Diocese was read, signed by the First Hierarch and presented by Archbishop Gabriel. Fr Eugene has proven tireless in his service, and in his relationships with his fellow clergymen, whether senior or junior, he is always respectful and attentive.

Endowed with a magnificent voice, he is likewise approachable, sociable, even-tempered, responsive, and affectionate. Fr Serafim, the Parish Rector, especially welcomed and thanked Archbishop Gabriel, the clergy, subdeacons and attendants, singers and worshipers, saying that the memory of the Blessed Seraphim comforts the Orthodox Christians who continue to stand before God in prayer for the restoration of peace on earth. He then presented His Eminence with an image of the Savior, and to Fr Eugene Kallaur an icon of the Blessed Seraphim of Sarov with a dedicatory inscription.

The celebration concluded with a traditional and magnificent feast offered by the Sisterhood headed by Elizabeth Miheev. The meal took place in an atmosphere of joy, spiritual unity, and cohesion. Warm welcome words were spoken by Archbishop Gabriel, clergy, and guests. At the end of the meal, Fr Serafim, expressing gratitude to the Sisterhood and benefactors, wished everyone peaceful spirit, mutual respect, patience for one another, and brotherly love, around whom “thousands are saved,” asking for the prayers of all saints. All participants of this bright celebration truly left illuminated by the grace and blessing of St Seraphim.