Feast of St. Panteleimon & New Ordinations
On August 9th the brotherhood of the Hermitage of the Holy Cross in Wayne, WV held their annual celebration of the feast of St. Panteleimon, the patron and protector of the monastery. His Grace Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan presided over the festal services, with monastic and local clergy concelebrating. The brothers welcomed His Grace on Tuesday evening with the ringing of the monastery bells, gathering in the church to receive his blessing.
St. Panteleimon’s Day is always important both for the brotherhood and for the pilgrims who visit regularly, but especially this year as two ordinations were planned: that of Hierodeacon Macarius to the holy priesthood and of Monk Basil to the diaconate. These brothers will be fulfilling much-needed duties of spiritual ministry as the brotherhood continues to grow.
The festal celebrations began Wednesday, August 8th, with the Vigil service, which was followed by a reception in the monastery trapeza. The next morning a hierarchal Divine Liturgy was served along with the two ordinations, and concluded with a special festive Moleben to St. Panteleimon. It is the custom of the monastery to serve this special Moleben for eight days, with a different canon to the saint on each of the days.
Last year the monastery completed construction of a new community room to give the entire brotherhood a space to gather for spiritual talks. Before leaving, Vladyka Nicholas met with the brotherhood to share about his life experience, his various trips around the world, and reflections on some historical aspects of the Russian Church Abroad. This was a blessed conclusion to the grace-filled days of celebration, providing a moment of relaxation and spiritual edification for the brothers. These archpastoral visits are treasured as an important source of spiritual grace and refreshment, and the brotherhood is grateful to St. Panteleimon, to Vladyka Nicholas, to the faithful pilgrims, and to our Lord for His beneficent care as we all strive along the narrow yet joyful path of salvation.
The Abbot and brethren welcome all who wish to join them next year for the celebration of the Feast of the Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon.
View photos of the feast and ordinations here: Photo Gallery
Slideshow - Feast of St. Panteleimon:
Slideshow - First Vigil and Divine Liturgy celebrated by the new ordinees:
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