Holy Archangel Michael Church in Massachusetts Celebrates 100 Years of Faith and Fellowship
Centennial festivities include all-night vigil, lectures, film screening, and hierarchical Divine Liturgy.
SOUTHBRIDGE — The Romanian parish of Holy Archangel Michael Church in Southbridge, Mass., marked its 100th anniversary this past weekend with prayer, celebration, and gratitude, culminating in a hierarchical Divine Liturgy led by His Eminence Met. Nicolae.
“We would like to ask our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ to bless everyone who contributed to the successful completion of the centennial anniversary celebration of Holy Archangel Michael Church,” wrote parish priest Fr. John Downie. “... We again thank everyone who sacrificed time, prayer, work, traveling and financial assistance for God’s ‘little Church on the hill.’”
The festivities began on Friday, Nov. 7, with a vigil chanted by the Iacov Protopsaltis Group, who traveled to America for the occasion, joined by local chanter Costa Paleologos. The Divine Liturgy, beginning at midnight and concluding after 2 a.m., was attended by about 50 faithful and clergy from several parishes.
Saturday’s program included an Akathist to Archangel Michael, a memorial service for the parish founders, and a lecture by Met. Nicolae titled “The Church – the Living Community of the Faithful.” Following Vespers, attendees gathered for a meal and the American premiere of the documentary “Adam, Where Are You?” presented by its co-producer, Deacon Alexander Plyska.
Sunday’s Matins began at 7:30 a.m., with the Iacov Protopsaltis Group and local chanters leading the hymns. The Divine Liturgy, celebrated by Met. Nicolae and clergy from across the country, included a homily on the role of the angels. The hierarch emphasized that Archangel Michael “exemplifies the seriousness and zeal of the spiritual battle” while Archangel Gabriel “exemplifies the compassion and tenderness… born out of silence and speaks directly to the heart of man.”
At the conclusion of the service, Met. Nicolae awarded Fr. John the Cross of the Order of Ss. Constantine and Helen for his missionary work and presented the parish with a hand-painted icon of Archangel Michael and St. Andrei Şaguna.
Fr. John Downie and Met. Nicolae. Photo: Romanian Orthodox Metropolia of the Americas
The celebration concluded with a banquet and film presentation highlighting the parish’s history and the faith of its founders.
“Glory be to God for this wonderful celebration!” Fr. Downie said.
Previously, UOJ reported that Met. Tikhon of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) presided over 110th anniversary celebrations for St. Vladimir Church in New Jersey.
