On this day, February 12 (New Style), in the monastery cathedral was celebrated a truly wonderful feast, that of the Three Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom. This is the patronal feast of the Holy Trinity Seminary, which plays an integral part in the life of Holy Trinity Monastery. Together with this, a consecration to the episcopate of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia was celebrated.
The faith and teachings of those great lights of Orthodoxy has been fundamental for the theology of the Orthodox Church. It is only fitting that an episcopal consecration should take place on this feast. Besides being holy hierarchs, the Three Hierarchs were also successors to the apostles, as every bishop is.
In the event, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas arrived from New York to preside at the services. Concelebrating with Vladyka were His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, His Grace Bishop Luke, abbot of our monastery, His Grace Bishop Kliment of the Bulgarian archdiocese in America, and Bishop Jerome.
The brotherhood, besides preparing the food for this event, also diligently studied the order of service so as to conduct it with all piety and in order.
Despite the wintry weather, many of the faithful were in attendance at this grace-filled event. It is very edifying for people to see the fullness of the Church’s priesthood, as our bishops are successors to the apostles, and continue their pastoral work among us.
Vladyka Spyridon is now Vicar Bishop of Toronto. He is now the helper of Vladyka Gabriel in their far-flung diocese of Canada. Despite the impiety of our present age, there are many converts to Holy Orthodoxy in the last few years. New parishes and missions are being founded. There is a great need for more pastors.
After the liturgy, a trapeza was provided for all in the seminary hall, through the efforts of the monastery brotherhood, seminarians, and also the assistants of the Sisters of the Quick-to-Hear convent in West Winfield.
May the Lord strengthen our new Bishop Spyridon and provide him with wisdom in his new obedience to the Holy Church.
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