On Sunday, November 13, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk led the Divine Liturgy in St. Michael the Archangel Church in Philadelphia, PA.
His Grace was co-served by parish cleric, Priest Gregory Winsky, clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, the Russian Church Abroad and the Ecumenical Patriarchate. Praying in the altar was parish rector Archpriest Vincent Saverino.
Before the beginning of the Liturgy, Bishop John tonsured parish altar server Thomas Nickels a reader.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop John delivered a sermon before on the topic of the Sunday Gospel reading. Afterwards, Bishop John greeted Archpriest Vincent who has led the parish for the past 40 years. Vladyka expressed his gratitude for his honorable pastoral service, which has earned him the love and respect of not only his brother concelebrants in the Patriarchal Parishes but those of other jurisdictions as well. Bishop John informed the faithful of the decree appointing Fr. Vincent Pastor Emeritus, as well as the appointment of the new rector, parish cleric Priest Gregory Winsky.
A banquet was held in honor of Father Vincent’s service was held where interaction continued through the day.