Blini 2010 was held on February 12, 2010. The evening was well attended with guests in excess of 210 revelers coming as far away as Seattle, Washington! The copious amount of blini were consumed with great zeal complemented with excellent succulent smoked salmon, caviar, herring, scallions, chopped hard boiled eggs, drawn clarified butter and sour cream!
The guests danced to Russian as well as American melodies ranging from tangoes, waltzes, as well as the twist, jitterbug, polkas and the like. There was music for the young as well with contemporary rock.
Below are offered for your enjoyment, photos of the event!
Archpriest Victor Tseshkovsky- Rector of the Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos, Mahopac, NY conversing with Mrs. Leeza Temidis.
Mr. George Temidis- Starosta of the Mahopac Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Father George Larin welcoming one of the guests
Mr. and Mrs. A. Pitaleff, Mrs. M. Tregubov, Dr. N. Tregubov, Mrs. L. Nikolsky and Mr. G. Nikolsky
Father George Larin with his son Ivan- one of the organizers of the event.
one happy table!
Two Ludmillas- Mrs. Ludmilla Nikolsky and Mrs. Ludmilla Pitaleff
Between two Ludmillas-making a wish!
Mr. and Mrs. Alex Vursta Jr.
Mrs. Moura Zaporoshan- Co-chairperson of the event with one of her supporters
Ms. Natalya Buleyev - preparing the blini dough
The Zaporoshans and the Lopoukhines
Anastasia and Serge Lopoukhine
Kirill and Moura Zaporoshan
Mr. Mrs. Vasily Serdsev
Happy revelers
Matushka Irina Gan
Dancing youth
Dancing youth
Dancing youth
Mr. Andrew Buleyev preparing the blini for tonight's event
Dancing youth
the Orchestra crooner
Dancing youth
Dancing youth
Decorated hall
The tables are set
The tables are set
The tables are set
The tables are set
Dr. E. Troubetzkoy, Mrs. and Dr. Igor Holodny
Kitchen help under the supervision of matushka Katia Larin- Mr. Andrew Buleyev, Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Krivcov
Father Viktor Tseshkovsky, Rector of the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos
Kitchen help- Mr. Buleyev, Mr. Eugene Krivcov and Mrs. marina Krivcov
Kitchen help- Mr. Buleyev, Mr. Eugene Krivcov and Mrs. marina Krivcov
The hall decoration designed by Mrs. Gloria Clark
The table setting
The decoratiopn- Snow flake.
2009 Russian Boutique - 11/21/09
The Sisterhood once again for the seventh consecutive time hosted the community to a Russian Festival entitled Russian Boutique.
Raffles were organized. Colorful and talented dancers performed on both days for the enjoyment of all. Russian folk dances and songs were performed by the Parish School students. Visitors and Parish members alike were treated to the wonderful playing of a two-man Russian band.
The many visitors that came were treated to a multitude of delicious Russian dishes: Beef Stroganoff; goloubtsi, pelmeni, bortsch, buckwheat with mushroom sauce; stuffed blinchiki; pirozhki and on and on.. Many visitors that came were solicitors from past years and were very happy to receive post cards in the mail telling them of the upcominmg event. They are eagerly anticipating receiving another post card announcing when this affair will be held next year. On the stage area, as before, many tables were adorned with samovars and the visitors were able to buy Russian sweets such as honey cakes, fruit tarts, napoleon and the like. Tea and coffee was served by young Parish school students.
The bookstore, across the hall, provided unique Russian gifts for Christmas and for other occasions.
Church tours were held both days. A total of over 100 interested visitors came into the Holy Virgin Protection Orthodox Church and heard a talk on Orthodox religion, church architecture; the meaning and symbolisms of icons, frescoes, cupola, iconostasis, Narthex, Nave, Altar, etc...The visitors were also introduced to Orthodox hymnology The selections were hymns sung during Great Lent, Vigil and Divine liturgy. The talk was so structured to generate questions about Orthodoxy. Questions that were asked were thought provoking and generated a very good dialogue among the visitors and guide.
The Nyack and surrounding communities look forward to this event. This is underscored by last year's article that appearded in a prominent Nyack Journal, called the "Riverfront":
A Touch of Russia in Nyack!
One doesn’t need to travel to Moscow or
St. Petersburg to indulge in authentic Russian cuisine and pastries or to hear
the strains of Russian music.The annual
Holiday Boutique a la Russe at the Holy Virgin Protection Church in
Nyack is hosting our all-around Russian cultural festival on Saturday,
November 21, 10-6, and Sunday, November 22, 11:30-7:00.The church is located at 51 Prospect Street
(corner of Cedar Hill Avenue). Tel: 845-353-1155.
As you enter the church hall, you feel
as though you have been transported to a square in Russia where colorful booths
abound and vendors sell handicrafts and other gift items.The parish Gift Shop stocked with beautiful
imported novelties from Russia is open.
Enjoy traditional live Russian music
featured throughout the day and the performances of young Russian dancers.
The Merry Matryoshka Bistro
(named for the brightly painted, wooden nesting dolls) is definitely the focal
point of this three-day event!Your
mouth will water with the fragrant aromas of traditional foods. As you rest at
one of the bistro tables, you can enjoy the atmosphere and wonderful dishes
such as Boeuf Stroganoff (named after the distinguished Stroganoff family);
Borscht (the hearty beet soup served with dollops of fresh sour cream) and
either meat or cabbage piroshky (individual savory pies); Golubtsy (stuffed
cabbage); Shashlyk (pork or chicken shish kebobs grilled over hot coals) and
Pelmeni (Siberian meat-filled dumplings served with sour cream).Enjoy a glass of cold imported Russian beer
with your meal.This is just a small
sampling of what the menu offers.
If tea from a samovar and Old World
sweets beckon you, the Russian Tea Room Café on the stage of the
church hall serves napoleons, poppy seed rolls, honey cake, or apple cake
topped with fresh apple slices under a lattice crust among other
delicacies.One can always have a cup of
coffee but the drink of choice is hot black tea sweetened with cherry
preserves.
During the festival, the church is
opened for tours. Apart from the
distinct glowing golden dome, the inside of the church is beautifully decorated
with colorful icons and frescos depicting scenes from the Old and New
Testaments and the life of Christ. All
are welcome!
We have included a slideshow of forty photos taken during this event. Enjoy the pictures and we hope to see more of you next year!
Our parish, the Holy Virgin
Protection Russian Orthodox Church, was blessed with a visit by the Miraculous
icon of the “Softener of Evil Hearts” on the day of the First Great
feast of the Liturgical Year, the Nativity of the Holy Mother (September 21st
n.s.)
History:
It has been reported that
this icon, located in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in Moscow wept miraculously
during the election process of the new Patriarch Kirill. This Icon is
also called the “Simeon’s Prophecy” Icon. According to the Evangelist
Luke, the Holy Spirit told the righteous Elder Simeon, the God-receiver, that
he would not die until he had seen the Messiah. Thus, forty days after the
Divine Infant’s birth, His parents brought Him to the Temple of Jerusalem,
and Simeon “was inspired” to come there as well, and took the Infant into his
arms (hence the title “God-receiver”), and pronounced those famous words that
we use in St. Simeon’s Prayer, “Lord, now lettest Thou Thy servant depart in
peace, according to Thy word….” (Lk. 2:29). Just as Christ would
be pierced with nails and a spear, so the soul of the Most-pure Theotokos
would be pierced by the weapon of sorrow and pain in the heart, when she saw
her Son’s suffering. After that, the hidden thoughts of the people
regarding the Messiah would be revealed, and they would face a choice:
to be with Christ, or against Him. Such an interpretation of Simeon’s
prophecy became the subject of a number of icons of the Theotokos. All
those who turn to this Icon in prayer sense that with the softening of evil
hearts comes and easing of spiritual and physical suffering. People
come to recognize that when they pray for their enemies before this icon,
their feelings of enmity are softened, and that strife and hatreds leave,
giving way to kindness. A Moleben and an Akathist was officiated.
Over 200 worshippers came
that evening from many parishes. The church was filled to capacity and the
solemnity and reverence to the holy Myrrh streaming Icon was felt by all.
The Myrrh-streaming Iveron Icon of the Theotokos of Hawaii honors our Parish by Her Presence! - 08/21/09
On Friday evening, our parish was honored by the visit of the Miraculous Myrrh streaming Icon of the Theotokos of Iveron of Hawaii. The Icon is a replica of the Iveron Icon that Brother Jose Munoz received on Mount Athos which became a Myrrh streaming as well as healing Icon. Brother Jose traveled to many Orthodox Parishes with the Montreal Iveron Icon of the Theotokos until his martyr death in Greece many years ago. With his death the miraculous Icon disappeared. With reverence and faith towards the Mother of God, many copies of the icon were printed.
The Icon that came to our parish this evening was such a copy printed in Sofrino, Russia- a large producer of Orthodox icons, vestments, church articles, candles and other clerical items. Sofrino is located approximately twenty miles south of the much revered Russian Monastery and Holy place, Saint Sergius Lavra.
The Icon, laminated on a wooden backing, was given by rector, Father Anatole. to his Reader Nectarios of the Orthodox Church in Honolulu which incidently was named in honor of the original Iveron Icon of Montreal.
With the blessing of Archbishop Kirill of San Francisco and the Western Diocese, and with an ukaz (decree) from the Synod of ROCOR, Reader Nectarios travels to all ROCOR, OCA, Greek, Serbian and Antiochan Orthodox Churches with the Myrrh streaming Icon.
Reader Nectarios-keeper of the miarculous Icon was driven to our parish by Father Victor Boldewskul, Rector of the Ortodox Church of the Epiphany in Roslindale, MA-outside of Boston.
This evening the Icon was met by Orthodox as well non- Orthodox believers alike. The Church was filled to capacity- as one sees during the Great Feasts of Easter and Christmas.
The Icon was met by our Rector, Mitered Father George Larin along with Father Alexander Donchenko of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Poughkeepsie, NY; Father Protodeacon Sergei Arlievsky of the Orthodox Convent of Novo Diveevo in Spring Valley, NY; Father Protodeacon Pavel Volkow of Saint Seraphim of Sarov Orthodox Church in Sea Cliff, NY and Father Deacon Nathan Mousselli of Saint Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral in Howell, NJ.
Father George Larin greeting the Myrrh streaming Iveron Icon of Hawaii
The Deacons greeting the Holy Icon
Father George Larin venerating the Holy Icon
Father George Larin delivering a homily on the significance of the Myrrh streaming Icon
The beginning of the Akathist
Father George Larin delivering a homily on the significance of the Myrrh streaming Icon
On May 6th, Our Parish Rector, Father George Larin celebrated his Patron Saint's Day - Saint George the Dragonslayer. All night vigil and Divine Liturgy services were celebrated.
In the evening, Matushka Catherine Larin, prepared a formidable open house celebration for all who came to wish our Parish Rector health, happiness and many years! Many parishioners came as well as clergy including Mitered Archpriest Father Alexander Lebedeff Rector of the Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Cathedral in Los Angeles, CA. Father Lebedeff was on the East Coast because of the Synod of Bishops Meeting that was taking place in New York City (May 5-7, 2009).
Wonderful lenten dishes were prepared by Matushka. Wine flowed and lively interesting converstion was had by all!
Several pictures , taken by iphone, by Mrs. Marianna Larin show pictorially the warm and happy evening that transpired in the Larin home!
On May 3rd, the Sunday commemorating the Myrrh Bearing women, the Feast Day of the Parish Sisterhood, His Grace, Bishop Jerome Vicar Bishop of Manhattan celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Church in Nyack, New York. Co-celebrants were the Rector of the Parish, Mitered Archpriest Father George Larin, Assistant Rector, Archpriest Ilya Gorsky and visiting Hieromonk Father John Magram. Father Evgeny Kallaur served beautifully as always, as the deacon at the Pontifical Service.
After the Divine Liturgy, the Bishop, clergy and parishioners were invited to the Parish Hall by the Sisterhood to a sumptuous buffet luncheon. Even though we braved inclement weather outside, a warm and congenial atmosphere prevailed in the Hall.
"Mnogaya Leta - Many Years" were sung to our subdeacon, Mr. Andrei Komendantov, who ten years ago was tonsured to his current rank. Also prayers were sung for the Sisterhood and elder sister Mrs. Anastasia Lopoukhine.
His Grace, Bishop Jerome, an admirer of the printed word, visited with Father John Magram the Parish's bookstore and was impressed with our collection and walked away with several purchases, much to the delight of our Store Manager, Mrs. M. Zaporoshan. Pictures taken by Ms. Elena Miloradovitch, our Choir Director, depict the bookstore visit.
Paschal Visit to St. John of Kronstadt Chapel, Brooklyn, NY - 04/28/09
Father George Larin, Matushka Katia Larina, Moura Zaporoshan, Anastasia and Serge Lopoukhine visited Father Vadim and his Saint John of Kronstadt Parish with a Paschal visit on the evening of April 28th, 2009. This time, we visited their new chapel located on the corner of Brighton 1st Place and Lane. The parish aquired their new place on January 1st, 2009. Their new place of worship is at least ten times larger than the previous chapel! The parish now has two buildings that houses the new chapel, dormitories for the needy; rental apartments; workshops; bookstore and kitchen.
After a molieben and akathist to the Theotokos, the parishioners, Father Vadim and the Nyack visitors shared a sumptuous Paschal Trapeza.
Father Nikolai Babitchouk, Pine Bush, NY (MP) and Father George Lardas, Stratford CT (ROCOR)
Father Nikolai Babitchouk, Pine Bush, NY (MP) and Father George Lardas, Stratford CT (ROCOR)
Father Nikolai Babitchouk, Father George Lardas and Father Ilya Gun from Mahopac, NY (ROCOR)
Father Nikolai Babitchouk, Father George Lardas and Father Ilya Gun from Mahopac, NY (ROCOR)
Reading of the Gospel : Frs. Ilya Gorsky, Father G. Larin, Metropolitan Hilarion, Father Ilya Gun, Father George Lardas
Reading of the Gospel : Frs. Ilya Gorsky, Father G. Larin, Metropolitan Hilarion, Father Ilya Gun, Father George Lardas
Father George Zelinin (Patterson, NJ), Father Ilya Gorsky and Father George Larin reading of the Gospel.
Father George Zelinin (Patterson, NJ), Father Ilya Gorsky and Father George Larin reading of the Gospel.
Parishioners
Parishioners
Parishioners
Parishioners
Deacons anointed with the Holy Oil
Deacons anointed with the Holy Oil
Deacons being anointed with the Holy Oil
Deacons being anointed with the Holy Oil
Metropiltan Hilarion's homily
Metropiltan Hilarion's homily
Metropolitan Hilarion distributing the Holy Oil
Metropolitan Hilarion distributing the Holy Oil
Metropolitan Hilarion passing out the Holy Oil to the priests
Metropolitan Hilarion passing out the Holy Oil to the priests
Metropolitan Hilarion dispensing the oil to the priests
Metropolitan Hilarion dispensing the oil to the priests
Metropolitan Hilarion officiating
Metropolitan Hilarion officiating
Subdeacon A. komendatov, Archdeacon E. Burbelo, Deacon E. Kallaur and Protodeacon S. Arlievsky
Subdeacon A. komendatov, Archdeacon E. Burbelo, Deacon E. Kallaur and Protodeacon S. Arlievsky
At 4PM, on April12th, Palm Sunday, The Sacramental Rite of Holy Unction was performed in the Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Church in Nyack, New York.
Officiating the sacrament was His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion. Vladyka was joined by Parish Rector Mitred Archpriest George Larin; Assistant Rector, Archpriest Ilya Gorsky;Father George Zelinin, St. Michael Orthodox Church, Newark, NJ; Archriest George Lardas, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Stratford CT.;Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk, rector of the Orthodox Church of All Saints of Russia, Pine Bush, NY.; Father Vadim Arefiev, rector of Saint John of Kronstadt Orthodox Chapel, Brooklyn, NY. and Father Ilya Gun of the Orthodox Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, Mahopac, NY. Attending and serving were three deacons: Archdeacon Father Evgeny Burbello, Protodeacon Father Serge Arlievsky and Deacon Evgeny Kallaur.
Many worshippers from the adjoining parishes came and joined the Nyack parish for the Sacrament of Holy Unction. The church was overflowing. The service was solemn, reverential and beautiful.
After the service, the worshippers and clergy were invited to the Church hall to a bountiful supper-buffet prepared by the parish sisterhood and parishioners.
Glory be to God!
Kirill Zaporoshan. Matushka Larina and Joe Kollar preparing the blini
Feast day of Saint John of Kronstadt- November 1st, 2008 - 11/01/08
Over 150 Orthodox Christians - clergy and laity - on November 1st, 2008, converged on Utica New York to be part of the celebration of the Feast Day of Saint John of Kronstadt. The Saint John of Kronstadt Russian Orthodox Church in Utica New York was filled to capacity.
It was here in 1963, when the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, (ROCOR) performed the Rite of Canonization of the Russian Pastor - Saint John of Kronstadt. The Temple prior to the Canonization was named in honor of Saint John of Rilski - the saint's name that St John of Kronstadt was given at his christening and bore all his life!
Clergy came from the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville (Archimandrite Luke- Abbot of the Monastery, Protodeacon Victor Lochmatov and deacon Nikolai Olhovsky); from Boston area (Protodeacon Alexander Jarostchuk); from Nyack (Mitred Archpriest George Larin); from Red Bank, NJ (Archpriest Serge Lukianov); from Seacliff NY ( Deacon Eugene Kallaur) and other priests and deacons that alas,I cannot name since I did not have the opportunity to meet them!
Laity also came from other parishes - to name a few: Poughkeepsie (Mr. and Mrs. George Nikolsky); Nyack (Matushka Catherine Larin, Mr. and Mrs. Kiril Zaporoshan, Mr. and Mrs. Serge Lopoukhine) Boston, Hartford, Rochester.. Many seminarians from Jordanville came and assited in the singing of the Divine Liturgy.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in a most glorified and prayerful manner! All were in a uplifted spirit.
After the Cross Procession and Dismissal, the clergy, congregation and guests proceeded to a nearby Country Club for a luncheon banquet.
This was a memorable event - it showed how parishes join together in celebrating each others Feast Days! This is how it should be - showing brotherly love to one another!
Bishop Peter of Cleveland officiating the Pontifical Divine Liturgy
The Icon of Saint John of Kronstadt
Protodeacon Victor Loachmatov of the Holy Trinity Monastery
The Cherubimic Hymn and the beggining of the Grand Entrance
The Grand Entrance
Archpriest Father Serge Lukianov of the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Parish in Red Bank, NJ
Blessing of the congregation by Bishop Peter
Holy Relics of Saint John of Kronstadt
St. John of Kronstadt Russian Orthodox Church in Utica, NY
The Iconostasis
Christ the Omnipotent- Temple Fresco painted by the Late Archimandrite Kyprian
Dome Frescoes - painted by the late Archimandrite Kyprian
Parishioners in preparation for Holy Communion
Holy Communion
Icons of Saint John of Kronstadt and St. John of Rilski
Panikodila
Cross procession around the Temple
Mitred Archpriest George Larin and Archpriest Serge Lukianov
Archpriest George Larin, Rector of the Holy Virgin Protection Russian Orthodox Church in Nyack
The main cupola of the Temple- built by Michael Valitzky
In preparation of the Gospel reading during the Cross Procession around the Church
Bishop Peter reading the Gospel.
Parishioners
Mrs. M. Zaporoshan and Mrs. A. Lopoukhine from the Nyack Parish participating in the Feast Day celebration.
Deacon Eugene Kallaur intoning a Litany
Bishop Peter of Cleveland blessing the congregation
Archimandrite Luke- Abbot of the Holy Trinity Monastery at Jordanville, New York arriving to participate in the Divine Services.
Archpriest Michael Taratuhin, Rector of the St. John of Kronstadt Church waiting for the arrival of Bishop Peter
Clergy waiting for the arrival of the Bishop
The deacons waiting for the arrival of the Bishop
The arrival of Bishop Peter of Cleveland
The entry prayers of Bishop Peter
Divine Liturgy and Festal Trapeza - 10/14/08
Our Parish celebrated its Feast Day gloriously and prayerfully! Our Father George Larin and Father Ilya Gorsky were joined by Archpriest Nikolai Babitchouk of the All Russian Saints Orthodox Church (MP) from Pine Bush, NY; Archpriest Serge Lukianov of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church (ROCOR) of Red Bank, NJ; Archpriest Chad Williams of St. Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Church (ROCOR) of Richmond, ME and Hieromonk Father Dionisy from the Holy Trinity Monastery (ROCOR) in Jordanville. In addition, the Divine Liturgical Service was embellished by the presence of Protodeacon Joseph Yarostchuk from St John of Kronstadt Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in Utica, NY as well as Father Leonid Roschko from the Parish of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church (ROCOR) in Red bank. NJ. Many came to pray with us and to partake of the festal trapeza served by the sisterhood after Divine Liturgy in the Church Hall.
Christ is Risen- Hristos Anesti- Le Christ est Ressucite - Христос Воскресе!
Visit to St John Kronstadt Chapel - 04/29/08
Father George Larin, Matushka Catherine Larin, Matushka Irene Gorsky, Mrs. Marie Zaporoshan, Mr. Kirill Zaporoshan, Mrs. Anastasia Lopoukhine and Mr. Serge R. Lopoukhine visited with Father Vadim Arefiev at his St. John of Kronstadt Chapel in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.
We were warmly met by 15-20 parishioners. We celebrated Vespers together in the chapel after which a communal meal was shared. Father George Larin led a talk about Saint John (Maximovich) of Shanghai and San Fransisco.
Orthodoxy in America
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