His Eminence Celebrates the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
On Wednesday evening, March 11, His Eminence, Michael, Archbishop of New York, Diocese of New York and New Jersey, visited the Church of Our Lady of Kazan. During this special occasion, he celebrated the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, a significant service in the Orthodox liturgical tradition observed during the season of the Great Fast.
Presbyter Paul Hunchak, Acting Rector of the parish, concelebrated the liturgy with His Eminence.
At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Michael delivered a sermon based on the reading from Genesis 7:6-9. He reflected on the teachings of St. John Chrysostom and St. Nicolai Velimirovich, drawing connections between the biblical narrative of the Ark and the role of the Church. His Eminence emphasized the Church as the Ark of our Salvation and as a protector for the faithful throughout the period of the Great Fast.
Following the service the community gathered in the parish hall for a meal and discussion.
