On Saturday, December 9, the faithful and friends of St. Innocent of Irkutsk Church in Redford, MI gathered to celebrate the parish’s patronal feast. The Divine Liturgy for this Second Pascha was celebrated by Priest Joshua Genig, parish rector and Dean of the Central States.

Concelebrating with Fr. Joshua was Archpriest Mikhail Volzhanskii, Rector of Holy Dormition Cathedral (ROCOR) in Ferndale, MI. During the Divine Liturgy, Fr. Joshua offered a homily on the life of St. Innocent, making particular note of his missionary activity and how his own witness and intercession have been a determining factor in the parish’s continued spiritual growth, especially in recent years.

Following the Divine Liturgy, during the trezvon ringing of the bells, the clergy and faithful processed to the Chapel of St. John the Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco where they were blessed with the relics of St. Innocent and St. John. Of particular joy was the full, festive choir – under the direction of Mary Gomulka and assisted by Emma Mary Genig – who sang (and always sings!) so beautifully and prayerfully for the Divine Services, as well as the work of the Sisterhood of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr who planned a full, celebratory, Lenten meal.

Guests of the Divine Liturgy commented on the beautiful Russian temple, the excellent choir, and how many young children regularly attend the parish. Now in her 56th year, may the Lord Jesus Christ continue to make flourish the work and ministry of the parish of St. Innocent of Irkutsk!