One of the oldest Orthodox churches on the East Coast -- Holy Transfiguration Cathedral in Brooklyn NY -- was re-dedicated following a complete restoration and renovation. On 3 May 2014, Bishop Michael attended the evening Great Vespers service and, following the service, Archpriest Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk (parish rector) served a Panikhida in memory of the church founders and former parishioners. Hundreds of names were mentioned. The following day (Sunday, 4 May), His Grace joined concelebrating clergy in blessing the interior and exterior of the Church.
Joining Bishop Michael for the re-dedication were: Archpriest Wiaczeslaw Krawczuk; Archpriest Joseph Lickwar (Diocesan Chancellor); Archpriest Daniel Skvir (Rector, Holy Transfiguration Church, Princeton NJ); Priest Igor Yakunin (Transfiguration Cathedral); and Protodeacon Paul Sokol (Saint Peter & Paul Church, Manville NJ).
His Grace led a procession around the church with blessing of the exterior and the interior of the church with Holy Water. Inside the church, Holy Chrism was applied to anoint the walls on each of cardinal points: North, East, South, and West. A new Antimension was also consecrated bearing a relic of the new Holy Martyr, Saint Ignatius Bazyluk.
Sunday, 4 May, was also the day commemorating the Myrrh-bearing Women, patron saints of the parish Sisterhood. In his sermon, His Grace compared the Sisterhood’s actions to the Myrrh-bearing Women who, with unconditional love, give their time and talents to Christ. At the end of the service, Bishop Michael presented awards of appreciation to the Church Council and the contractors who renovated the church. Ann Kandratino, President of the Sisterhood, was awarded a letter honoring her work. Each Sisterhood member also received an icon to mark the occasion.
His Grace thanked everyone for the many donations and wonderful work that has been accomplished. Father Wiaczeslaw expressed gratitude to His Grace, the assembled clergy, altar servers, the choir, and all who participated in the re-dedication.
After the service many people attended a banquet, at Princess Manor, to celebrate the day. During an abundant banquet, a presentation -- “We love our Church” -- was offered by the Church School students.
Matushka Tamara Skvir (granddaughter of former rector, Archpriest Constantine and Matushka Melissa Bucketoff) shared her precious memories. Matushka Melissa founded the parish Sisterhood over 80 years ago, and her spirit lives on in their work.
Following hours of dancing thanks to music by DJ Igor Sidoruk, everyone retired home with fond memories.
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Diocese of New York
and New Jersey
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