Archpriest Oleksandr Receives the Highest Hierarchical Award from Archbishop Elpidophoros

On December 17, the 28th Sunday after Pentecost and the feastdays of the Great Martyr Barbara and St. John of Damascus according to the Julian Calendar, His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America, visited the Cathedral of  St. John the Forerunner & Baptist in Brooklyn. 

The distinguished guest was solemnly greeted by Archpriest Oleksandr Belya, Rector of the Cathedral, and all the clergymen of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate.  Young parishioners welcomed His Eminence by singing songs dedicated to St. Nicholas the Wonderworker.

The hierarchical Divine Liturgy was led by Archbishop Elpidophoros and concelebrated by Bishop-Elect Alexander, Vicar of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate; Archimandrite Nektarios Papazafiropoulos, Chancellor of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese; Fr. Tikhon Gayfudinov, Abbot of Holy Protection Skete in Buona Vista, NJ; Archpriest Oleksandr Belya, Cathedral Rector; Archpriests Boris Babeshko, Mikhail Gutsul, Igor Tarasov, Andrey Pastukh, Vasiliy Deyak; Rostislav Zadorozhny, and Eduard Chervinsky, Fr. Petr Prakaptsou, Hieromonk Pedro Bazan, Archdeacon Dionysios Papiris, Protodeacons Volodymir Oleynik and George Hero, and Deacon George Zervos.

At the end of the service, Archbishop Elpidophoros addressed the Vicar, the clergy and the parishioners. With the blessing of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, His Eminence read a Decree elevating Archpriest Oleksandr Belya, Confessor of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate, to the rank of Protopresbyter of the Ecumenical Throne, awarding the Gold Archbishop’s Cross.  Archpriest Oleksandr is the first clergyman from Ukraine in modern history to be awarded this honor.

In his response thanking the Archbishop, Protopresbyter Oleksandr noted, “As for me, I think this is such a high award, that no person can earn while living in the 21st century.  I believe it was given to me in advance for more diligent service to God and the Church of Christ. This is a manifestation of the great wisdom and love of Archbishop Elpidophoros for the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate, evidence that he not only supports our good and true intentions, but also has high hopes for our development and prosperity. We will try, with God’s help, Your Eminence, to justify your trust in us.”

His Eminence also awarded Abbot Tikhon Gayfudinov and Archpriest Eduard Chervinsky the right to wear a jeweled cross for their diligent service to the Orthodox Church.  It was also Archpriest Eduard Chervinsky’s 40th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. 

On behalf of the clergy and parishioners of the Vicariate, Bishop-Elect Alexander cordially thanked Archbishop Elpidophoros for visiting the Brooklyn Cathedral and celebrating the Eucharist there. He noted, “The grace of the Holy Spirit has gathered you and me here today.  These are the words we hear during the Pentecost services. The Divine Liturgy is always like a small Easter, and we are always very happy to receive communion with you, Your Eminence, from the same Chalice, through which we, both clergy and laity, are in unity with the Universal Church. Praying with you is always special and has a unique place in our hearts, because a spiritually peaceful atmosphere alway reigns  with you in the altar.  I am grateful to His All-Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew and to you personally for always remembering about us, our needs and aspirations, for you eagerness to help and guide us, and especially for today’s highest award for Protopresbyter Oleksandr, which marked his many years of work for the benefits of Orthodox Church. With your blessing, the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate is developing and strengthening.  At this time we have six active parishes with four more that are about to be opened. We have a constant influx of clergymen and already have more than 20 priests eagerly serving under your holy omophorion. The flock of parishioners is steadily increasing. New priests who recently transferred to our Vicariate are also serving with us today.  For example, Archpriest Igor Tarasov, who in ROC bore the obedience of being the Chancellor and Dean of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA.  He would like to organize and open a new parish. This year Father Tikhon joined the Vicariate along with the Hermitage of the Protection of the Holy Theotokos.  Fathers Boris and Peter are in the process of being transferred by completing the paperwork. Fr. Pedro is making every effort to open a Spanish-speaking parish in Florida.  Thanks to God we are growing and thanks to you, Your Eminence, to your wise guidance and prayers we are growing steadily. We would like to invite you to visit our Miami Cathedral.  We will be glad to serve with you there at the Cathedral of St. Matrona.  Please accept our sincere and heartfelt congratulations on the upcoming holiday of the Nativity of Christ from all of us in the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate!”

A number of parishioners of the St. John the Forerunner and the Baptist Cathedral were awarded with the commemorative medals and certificates for their volunteer work and assistance to the Brooklyn parish.

In conclusion, Archbishop Elpidophoros gave his blessing and prayed for God’s blessing on everyone.