On Saturday evening, June 8, 2024, an ark with the right hand of the relics of the Holy Martyr Elizabeth and nun Barbara from the Znamensky Synodal Cathedral in New York arrived at the Church of the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God. For three days, believers had the opportunity to pray and venerate the relics.<\/p>\n
On Sunday, June 9, after the end of the Divine Liturgy, a religious procession took place, as well as a prayer service in the chapel, which is the only monument on the North American continent built and opened in the year of the 100th anniversary of the murder of the Royal Family. The rector of the temple, priest Maxim Abroskin, addressed the parishioners and guests with a sermon and reminded those present about the feat of the Grand Duchess.<\/p>\n
In the afternoon, in a concert hall near the church, a missionary concert of choral music was held for a Canadian audience, dedicated to this significant event. The concert was hosted by the second priest of the church Rev. Valentin Losev and Angelina Karchevsky. The purpose of the concert was to introduce listeners to Orthodox spiritual music. Also, the church cleric, Deacon Georgy Bolshan, prepared a report-presentation about the life of the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Feodorovna. The Choir of St. Cyrus the Serbian, conducted by Jasmina Vukurovic, performed for the guests. The choir is known for its performance of classical and spiritual music, and everyone present received great aesthetic pleasure. At the end of the concert there was a buffet reception, during which friendly communication with the Serbian community continued.<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t