His Eminence, Archbishop Michael visited Saints Peter and Paul Orthodox Church in East Herkimer, New York on Saturday, August 29th and Sunday, August 30th. His Eminence joined us for Great Vespers on Saturday and served the Divine Liturgy on Sunday.

After Liturgy, a picnic lunch was held outside on the parish grounds and everyone had a delightful time enjoying one another's company. His Eminence's birthday was celebrated at the picnic, and the parish also welcomed Father Vasil and Panimatka Lesya Dubee and their children to their new assignment at Saints Peter and Paul, which had begun on August 1st. A live-streamed moleben of thanksgiving, with special prayers for the sustaining benefactors of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, was celebrated by Archbishop Michael following the picnic.

Father Vasil would like to especially thank the Rev. Deacon Stephan Karlgut, the Rev. Deacon Demetrios Richards, Subdeacons Matthew Ortiz and David Homyk, Readers Paul Holowatch and Alexey Karlgut, Vladimir Hula, and Alexey and Nikita Zaitsev for their service in the Lord's altar; our parish choir director Kristy Zaitseva and the parish choir for their beautiful singing of the services; and Matushka Anastasia Richards and all the parish council and faithful who organized, prepared and served food, and assisted in the clean-up of the parish celebration. The day was beautiful and we give thanks to God for all of His blessings!