On December 24, 2025, a truly joyful and memorable event took place in the life of our parish. The Patriarchal Estate in Pine Bush, New York, was visited by His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, for a bishop visit.
In the Church of All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Russian Land, His Grace Bishop Matthew celebrated the Divine Liturgy. Concelebrating with the bishop were Abbot Nikodim (Balyasnikov), Acting Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA; Priest Mark Rashkov, Head of the Chancellery; the Rector of the parish, Priest Artemiy Kulikovskyi; as well as clergy of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City—Priest Antony Kurakevich and Deacon Alexei Golubov.
Before entering the church, His Grace was warmly welcomed with bread and salt by Matushka Ekaterina Babijtchouk and Matushka Olga Kulikovskyi, together with their children. The liturgical hymns were sung by the parish choir under the direction of Alyona Babijtchouk. Parishioners of our church and guests of the parish prayed together during the Divine Liturgy.
At the Little Entrance, in recognition of his diligent labors in beautifying the church and maintaining the Patriarchal Estate in a worthy manner, the Rector of the parish, Priest Artemiy Kulikovskyi, was awarded a liturgical distinction by His Grace—the right to wear the kamilavka.
Following the Divine Liturgy, the Rector addressed His Grace Bishop Matthew with words of greeting, expressing heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire parish for the long-awaited bishop visit and for his constant care for the parish during years of trial—during the illness and following the repose of the longtime rector of the church, Mitred Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk, who fell asleep in the Lord in 2022.
Bishop Matthew then addressed those gathered with an instructive homily, noting the labors of the Rector and emphasizing the continuity of pastoral service at the Patriarchal Estate. His Grace congratulated Father Artemiy on his well-deserved award and expressed gratitude to his family, the parishioners, and all helpers for their sacrificial service at this holy place. At the Rector’s recommendation, several parish workers were also awarded Bishop Certificates of Blessing. As a remembrance of the visit, His Grace presented all those in attendance with icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Following this, the clergy, parishioners, and guests proceeded in a procession to the cemetery of the Patriarchal Estate, where—fulfilling the long-held wish of Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk—a chapel in honor of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was constructed in 2024–2025 through the labors of the Rector and his helpers on the site of a previously abandoned crypt.
Bishop Matthew performed the rite of consecration of the newly built chapel, after which a memorial service was served with special prayers for the repose of those buried at this cemetery: the founder and first Rector of the Patriarchal Estate, Archbishop Dosifey (Ivanchenko); Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk; Archpriest Peter Krochta; and all Orthodox Christians who have found their final resting place here. His Grace also consecrated a new grave cross at the burial site of Archpriest Nikolai. The service concluded with the singing of Paschal hymns and the troparion “The General Resurrection.”
The fellowship of the bishop, clergy, and laity continued at a brotherly meal, lovingly prepared by the matushkas and their helpers. For the younger participants of the service, a small New Year themed celebration was organized, with the presentation of gifts.
We sincerely thank everyone who took part in preparing and carrying out the bishop visit, the divine services, and the consecration of the chapel: the clergy, choir members, parish workers, volunteers, helpers, matushkas, parishioners, and all who labored through deeds, prayer, and love. May the Lord reward everyone a hundredfold for their zeal and devotion to this holy place!
Photo credit
Photographic coverage of the bishop visit and the consecration of the chapel was provided by a devoted parishioner of our church, Ed Hafizov. The moments of worship and parish life captured by him have become a valuable testimony of this memorable day. We express our heartfelt gratitude to Ed and his creative team at Zorz Studios for their work, professionalism, and attentive care toward the life of our parish. You may view the studio’s work on their official website.
