On Sunday night, 21 April, the final Lenten Vespers service of 2013 for the New York City Deanery was celebrated at Saint Nicholas Church, Whitestone NY. The church was full of faithful from throughout the deanery and beyond. In his homily, Father Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk (Dean, New York City Deanery) offered a reflection that drew together all of the major themes of Great Lent and encouraged all present to make the Lenten effort to grow in Christian virtue.

Many clergy were present to serve with Bishop Michael, including: Protopresbyter Daniel Hubiak (accompanied by Matushka Evelyn), Archpriest Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk, Archpriest Vitaly Bahanovich, Archpriest Michael Meerson, Archpriest Joseph Woodill (the parish rector), Priest David J. Kossey, Priest David Cowan, Priest John Diamantis, Priest Seraphim Joa and Priest Nathan Preston, and recently ordained Deacon Gregory Aidinov.

Sub-deacon Ken Linn directed the parish singers while Sub-deacon Michael Frank Guydan and Mathew Tymus served in the sanctuary.

A fully-Lenten fellowship meal following the service was prepared by the people of the church. Good food was offered to all, and Father Joseph Woodill noted ... after several hours of fellowship ... that everyone was welcome to stay for as long as they like, but those remaining would be invited into the kitchen for clean-up and washing. In response, many guests both remained and helped with clean-up. Matushka Charlotte Woodill remarked to those present that “serving at Whitestone is like being with family, only easier. Now, on to the Holy Pascha!”