On Monday, March 16, the seventh anniversary of repose of  His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus (Skurla),  Fifth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was commemorated in Our Lady of Tikhvin Church in Howell, NJ. The Panihida marked the beginning of the traditional Great Lenten Pastoral Retreat hosted by the Eastern American Diocese of ROCOR. Clergy from the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA were graciously invited with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and NY, First Hierarch of ROCOR. 

The Panihida was celebrated at the end of Grand Compline by Eastern American Diocesan Vicar Bishops George of Mayfield and Nicholas of Manhattan, and the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk. The hierarchs were co-served by Archpriest Constantine Semyanko, Cleric of Presentation Church, Stratford (ROCOR); Priest Seraphim Wing, Rector of St. Nicholas Church, Edinboro PA and Deacon Paul Drosdowski, Cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Howell NJ. Praying in the church were over one-hundred participants in the Pastoral Conference.

Before the beginning of the Panihida, Bishop George read aloud an address from Metropolitan Hilarion who is currently in Australia. 

After the Panihida, the hierarchs and clergy continued their interaction in the parish hall of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.