The Chapel Receives the Great Gift of the Otrada Mother of God Iconostasis!

In September, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas, the mission was hugely blessed to receive the Otrada Mother of God iconostasis from its original home at the American-Russian Aid Association-Otrada Chapel in Chestunt Ridge, New York. Of course, we had long talked of what it would be like to have an iconostasis in our Chapel, little imagining, however, that we could actually have one so soon, let alone one that so perfectly fits and is so well-suited to our space! Clearly God “does exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think!” (cf. Ephesians 3:20)

 If you could be a "fly on the wall" during these weeks, you would be able to hear for yourself the gasps and the “Oohs and aahs” as people come to the mission to discover this amazing iconostasis now standing in the Chapel as though it had been designed and built for just this space. Indeed, we know that in the good providence of God, this iconostasis has indeed been planned and provided for by Him through the generosity of the Otrada Chapel for just this time in our mission’s development and growth.

We give glory to God and insufficient thanks to all those who played such a vital role in making this a reality. Included in this group are Marena and Boris Maltsev of the ARAA-Otrada, Inc.'s Board of Directors, Arch Priest George Temidis, the former Chapel's rector, and Deacon Theodotus Conrad who first told us about it at our Summer Feast Day!

Thanks too for the amazing group of inquirers/catechumens at the mission who went down with me in two trucks to help dismantle it with Boris and Oleg (a former fellow college hockey player!) and then to bring it back to Morris: Michael, Karim and Xander! And in just a few days time, suddenly the iconostasis was up in the Chapel thanks to Peter, Michael, Xander and Augustine! Added to them was also the great work of Kevin and John in hanging some of the huge icons. Truly, Glory to God!

As if, however, the iconostasis itself were not enough, we are currently busy finding places for and putting up the many beautiful icons which were also donated to the mission. As just one example, the stunning “She who is more spacious than the heavens” icon in the asp of the church measures 77 inches in width. Our space for it was 78 inches! You can see this icon through the Royal Doors in the altar above. On top of everything else (literally!), the mission is looking forward to mounting on its roofs two beautiful cupulas which have been donated as well!

If you have not yet had an opportunity to see for yourself this beautiful iconostasis, we encourage you to join us for the Chapel's Fall Feast day this coming November 4th! We are also looking forward to celebrating every February 3rd, the Feast Day for the miracle working Otrada Mother of God Icon. If you are not familiar with the story of this remarkable and unique icon, you can hear it beginning at the 12:00 minute mark of the homily "Learning to Love," posted below. Come and See!