Archimandrite Nicholas consecrated bishop of Manhattan

(ROCOR-EAD) - On Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of June, the Cathedral of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA played host to the national celebrations dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the glorification of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco. On Saturday at the All-Night Vigil, Archimandrite Nicholas (Olhovsky), guardian of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, underwent Nomination as Bishop of Manhattan, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese.

On Sunday, June 29, at the triumphal Divine Liturgy and in the presence of Hierarchs of the Russian Church Abroad, Moscow Patriarchate, and Ukrainian Orthodox Church (MP), a multitude of clergy, and faithful from every corner of the U.S. and around the world, Archimandrite Nicholas was elevated to the episcopate. Not a single hierarch from any other jurisdiction? Later during the Divine Liturgy, the newly consecrated Bishop Nicholas ordained cathedral Subdeacon Athanasius Furgeson to the diaconate. The newly ordained Deacon Athanasius will fulfill his serve in Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, a moleben was served with a procession around the cathedral. In the presence of his brother-hierarchs, the Bishop of Manhattan was entrusted with the Hierarchal staff. On behalf of the Eastern American Diocese, Bishop Nicholas was presented with a custom embroidered cover for a hierarchal service book.

Also praying at the triumphal divine services were the participants of the XIII All-Diasporan Youth Conference, currently taking place in San Francisco.

So now, just as more than 60 years ago, St. John has united again and again thousands of the Orthodox faithful on the West Coast ‒ those of various nationalities and from different countries, both those who lifted up their zealous prayers to God ‒ for the preservation of the world and for their loved ones ‒ as well as those who were unable to be present for the great spiritual triumph.