Seven years ago, in 2009, on the feast day of All Saints, Russian Orthodox Church Abroad reinstituted the celebration of the Day of Orthodox Youth. On the Sunday of All Saints, June 26, a festal Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Leading the Liturgy was Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, President of the Synodal Youth Department, co-served by diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, cathedral senior priest and Vice President of the Synodal Youth Department Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Priest George Temidis (cleric of the Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY), Hieromonk Eutychius (Dovganyuk; cathedral cleric), Protodeacons Nicolas Mokhoff and Vadim Gan (cathedral clerics), Protodeacons Dimitri Temidis (cleric of the Holy Protection Church in Nyack, NY), Serge Arlievsky (cleric of the Holy Dormition Convent “Novo-Diveevo” in Nanuet, NY), and Eugene Kallaur (cleric of St. Seraphim of Sarov Memorial Church in Sea-Cliff, NY), and Deacon Nikifor Franklin (cleric of the Holy Protection Church in Rochester, NY).
The youth choir, conducted by Anisia and Pavel Roudenko, who had recently returned from their missionary trip to Ukraine, sang the Divine Liturgy. Young members of St. Prince Vladimir Association were also helping the serving clergy in the altar. The festal Liturgy was served in the presence of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.
Upon conclusion of the divine service, Metropolitan Hilarion congratulated the clergy, parishioners, and young singers with the feast and addressed the faithful with a sermon. His Eminence explained the origins of the feast, and how a modern person canacquire holiness. He then read his epistle, specially prepared for the Day of Orthodox Youth.
Metropolitan Hilarion thanked the young people who participated in the Liturgy, and urged the youth to follow the example of young members of Prince Vladimir Youth Association, and take an active part in the parish life and missionary work.
In the afternoon, a traditional picnic was organized by the St. Prince Vladimir Youth Association in the courtyard of the Synodal building, with Metropolitan Hilarion and Bishop Nicholas participating alongside with the young people.