EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: November 7, 2011
Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, Prayerfully Marks the 40th Anniversary of the Death of Protopriest Seraphim Slobodskoy

On Saturday, November 5, 2011, the 40th anniversary of the death of Protopriest Seraphim Slobodskoy, His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St James, Brother of the Lord and first Bishop of Jerusalem, followed by a pannikhida, at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY. Vladyka Jerome was joined by the Parish Rector Protopriest George Larin, representatives of other Local Churches and clergymen from various dioceses of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, along with an enormous number of worshipers. In his sermon, Vladyka Jerome compared Fr Seraphim’s service as a good pastor, which included authoring the renowned book The Law of God, with the apostolic podvig of the relative of Christ celebrated on this day.  

At the memorial reception that followed, a greeting from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia was read. Fr George talked about his first years as a priest under the wise guidance of the late priest. Protodeacon Victor Lochmatov read a greeting sent by Archimandrite Luke (Murianka), Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary and Abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, after which he shared his own personal memories of Fr Seraphim and his matushka Elena. Mr George Joukov then spoke on behalf of Camp NORR [the National Association of Russian Explorers], pointing out that Fr Seraphim always actively participated in the ecclesio-patriotic and educational work of this organization, helping raise more than one generation of Russians in the difficult situation of the emigration.  

Mr Alexei Slobodskoy drew great interest with lecture on the life and legacy of his father. Alexei Seraphimovich made a profound impression on the listeners with a presentation of rare and fascinating photographs from the history of Holy Virgin Protection Church and the life of Fr Seraphim, earning enthusiastic applause. A concluding speech was read by the spiritual son of the late pastor, Protopriest Andre Papkoff, Senior Priest of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Chicago, IL. 

A presentation followed by MOST Publishing Company on their new book by AS Slobodskoy, Protopriest Seraphim Slobodskoy. His Life and Legacy.   

“In the book on the life and legacy of Protopriest Seraphim Slobodskoy,” writes His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, “the reader will learn little-know facts about the life of the author of The Law of God, which has been widely disseminated throughout the entire Orthodox Church. It is noteworthy that the exhibition on the history of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, opened under His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia and His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus at Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow in 2007, Fr Seraphim was called one of the most eminent figures of the Russian diaspora, epitomizing the spirit of the Russian Church Abroad. This book gives a good understanding of how our parents lived in foreign lands. One senses that the biography of Fr Seraphim should inspire each and every one of us to labor to preserve and disseminate this great legacy.”  

The book may be obtained by contacting its author, Alexei Seraphimovich Slobodskoy, at alexei.slobodskoy@gmail.com  

After a prayer of thanks, Fr George expressed gratitude to the parish Sisterhood, headed by Catherine Larin for their splendid trapeza.