On Saturday, March 21, the Orthodox faithful in Washington, DC were honored to receive a distinguished guest: Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad. His Eminence brought with him the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On the evening of March 21, the Metropolitan officiated the All-Night Vigil at Holy Apostles Church in Beltsville, MD. During his archpastoral visit, His Eminence performed a litia at the grave of the parish’s longtime rector, the newly departed Archpriest George Johnson – an act bringing great consolation to the family and spiritual children of that remarkable priest.

The next day, Sunday, March 22, His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington. Concelebrating were seven priests and a like number of deacons. Among the visiting clergy concelebrating at the parish was Priest Martin from Slovakia.

Two choirs sang in Church Slavonic and English. The church was filled to overflowing with worshippers, many of whom partook of the Holy Mysteries of Christ.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, His Eminence delivered a sermon in Russian and English, which can be viewed here.

The next day, March 23, the Metropolitan visited Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) in Stafford, VA. There, His Eminence inspected the parish church of St. Herman of Alaska, which is currently undergoing a massive renovation.

That same evening, cathedral parishioners gathered together once more to take part in in the parish-wide service of Holy Unction. The service began at 7:00 PM and concluded at 11:15 PM. It was so lengthy because over 200 people received the Sacrament.

The following day, the First Hierarch departed for New York. That same evening, a second Holy Unction service, entirely in English, was held, although without either the Metropolitan or the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon.

May the grace bestowed upon us by His Eminence help us to labor with renewed strength and, with God’s assistance, to greet the Feast of feasts and the Festival of festivals – Holy Pascha.

Glory to God for all things!

 Archpriest Victor Potapov

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