On May 11, the Metropolitan Georgiy of Nizhny Novgorod and Arzamas served Akathist to Venerable Seraphim of Sarov at the monastery’s Trinity Cathedral. Afterwards, His Grace presided over the consecration of the Annunciation Cathedral’s side altar dedicated to the Renewal of the Jerusalem’s Resurrection Church.

Two services were combined for that purpose: for the restoration of the church and for the Renewal of the Jerusalem’s Resurrection Church. According to tradition, the churches named after the Renewal of the Jerusalem’s Resurrection Church hold the Paschal service on their dedication day of October 26 and a triumphant “Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!” is heard then. From now on, the Holy Kanavka will be filled with Paschal joy every year on an autumn day.

After the service of restoration of the church, the first Divine Liturgy was held at the new altar table. After it was over, Hegumenia Sergiya thanked Metropolitan Georgiy for consecration of the church and showing pastoral care regarding its construction. “Venerable Seraphim of Sarov used to greet his visitors with the Paschal greeting: “Christ is Risen, my joy!” That is why the decision was made to consecrate one of the side altars in this cathedral that honors the Mother of God to Christ’s Resurrection,” said Mother Hegumenia. “Today’s consecration is a day of special celebration and joy for us since it has opened the way to a future great consecration of the grand cathedral to the Annunciation.”

“The Queen of Heaven Herself commanded us to build this cathedral. Once we complete the furnishing of its Resurrection side church, we will keep on pondering “Not unto us, O Lord, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory,” remarked Metropolitan Georgiy in his archpastoral address at the completion of the Divine Liturgy. “God willing, this cathedral will carry the faithful through towards becoming the communicants in the life eternal. Just as our Lord rose from the dead and so do we ought to raise our soul up by repentance. Just as the Lord ascended to heaven so do we have to do our very best and rise up from earth to the Heavenly Kingdom.”

Protopresbyter Alexander (Kolesnikov), Rector of the future Venerable Seraphim of Sarov’s church under construction in Khotkovo (near the Holy Trinity St. Sergius Lavra), participated at the service. Metropolitan Georgiy gifted Fr. Alexander’s future church with the icon of Venerable Seraphim holding part of the saint’s relics. “His Grace Georgiy and I know each other since his days at the Trinity-Sergius Lavra,” shared Fr. Alexander after the service. “When I received blessing to begin the construction of a centrally located church in Khotkovo, Metropolitan Georgiy suggested to dedicate it to Venerable Seraphim of Sarov. Many times during its design and construction, His Grace would offer his advice to us. Today is a joyful day as our church received part of Father Seraphim’s relics.”

According to the Seraphim-Diveyevo monastery’s tradition and according to the Typikon, the newly consecrated side altar church will have services for the next forty days.