Since today was a feast of the Mother of God, in the midst of the Nativity Fast, when the vestments are read, the church was filled with blue vestments In honor of the Most Holy Virgin. 

His Grace, Bishop Luke, superior of the monastery, was the main celebrant.  With the blessing of our ruling bishop, the Most Rev. Metropolitan Hilarion, Vladyka Luke ordained Deacon Andrew Hammond to the priesthood during the Divine Liturgy.  Fr. Andrew will be the rector of Sts. Theodore Church in Buffalo, New York, where he previously served as a deacon, along with his brother, Fr. George Hammond.  We wish him and his matushka and family every blessing from the Lord and strength and zeal in his new obedience to the Church.