On Sunday, March 3, Rector of St. George Church and some our parishioners visited the Elevation of the Holy Cross Church in Hackettstown, NJ. That parish community held a celebration of the honorary retirement of their long-time Rector, Mitered Archpriest John Kassatkin, and of the installation of the newly-appointed Rector, Priest Andrew Massey. Archpriest Igor Tarasov, as the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, came to that parish to head the said celebration.

The Divine Liturgy at the Elevation of the Cross Church was celebrated by Archpriest Igor Tarasov who was co-served by Archpriest John Kassatkin and Priest Andrew Massey. The service was attended by local parishioners, as well as some guests from other parishes. Our St. George Church was represented by our Warden and Choir Director, Olga Roussanow and two other persons. Following the Gospel lesson Fr. Igor preached a homily in Russian. Then before the Holy Communion of the faithful a homily in English was preached by Fr. Andrew.

After the dismissal of the Liturgy the Chancellor proclaimed the Bishop’s Decree placing Fr. John on retirement and naming him Rector Emeritus of the Holy Cross Church, and then the Decree of appointment Fr. Andrew the Rector of that Church. Fr. Igor also commended Fr. John on behalf of Patriarchal Parishes for his long-time service to the Holy Church, expressed him gratitude from the hierarchy and wished him a blessed retirement. Then he expressed a heartfelt wishes of God’s assistance and great success of leading the parish and faithful to the new Rector, Fr. Andrew.

Celebration continued at the local restaurant where a reception was held in honor of the old and new parish Rectors. Fr. Igor and our parishioners attended that event and enjoyed delicious food and nice interaction with the clergy, parishioners and guests of the Holy Cross Church.