On Saturday, August 2, the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elias, His Eminence Justinian, Archbishop of Elista and Kalmykia celebrated his final Divine Liturgy with clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA in St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City.  His Eminence was co-served by His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw, Retired-ROCOR) and a multitude of clergy from the Patriarchal Parishes and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. 

During the Divine Liturgy, the Litany for the Departed was intoned for Newly-Departed Metropolitan Vladimir, and those who perished on the battlefield during the First World War, as the 100th Anniversary of Russia’s entry in the war was commemorated on August 1^st.

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Justinian greeted the gathered clergy and expressed his gratitude to all those who traveled near and far to wish him many years in his new Diocese. His Eminence acquainted all who gathered with the recent decisions of the Holy Synod, and assured everyone of his Archpastoral Prayers. On behalf of all the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes, Archpriest Emil Minkovich expressed gratitude to Archbishop Justinian for his love, support and prayers to each clergyman and layperson in his four-year tenure as Administrator.

Archbishop Justinian then bestowed the Medal “For Love and Loyalty” to clergyman and laity of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, for their years of service, love and loyalty to each other and to the church:

Archpriest John and Matushka Maxine Kassatkin

Archpriest Emil and Matushka Natalie Minkovich

Archpriest Basil and Matushka Pamela Micek

Archpriest George and Matushka Alexandra Konyev

Archpriest Mikhail and Matushka Ekaterina Kapchits

Archpriest Alexey and Matushka Elena Bocharnikov

Deacon Dmitry and Matushka Irina Sukhorukhov 

Deacon John and Matushka Ekaterina Peters

Viktor and Elena Abalakin

Interaction between the Archpastors and the Clergy continued in the Hall of St. Nicholas Cathedral.