Wayne, West Virginia, August 12, 2025
Photo: Holy Cross Monastery
The brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery (Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia) in Wayne, West Virginia festively celebrated the feast of its beloved St. Panteleimon on Saturday, August 9.
On this occasion, Igumen Gabriel was formally installed as the new abbot, the monastery reports.
His Grace Bishop Luke of Syracuse, abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery and rector of the seminary in Jordanville, New York, officiated at the installation ceremony and festive divine services, marking his first return to the West Virginia monastery since 2012.
The installation comes following a period of transition for the monastery. Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon, who had served as abbot for 10 years, stepped down in April due to failing health, and the brotherhood elected Igumen Gabriel as its new abbot on Palm Sunday. The former abbot, Fr. Panteleimon, reposed on April 24, shortly after the election.
The weekend celebrations began Friday evening with a festal Vigil service in the monastery’s new church, during which Bp. Luke led clergy and faithful in chanting the Akathist to St. Panteleimon. Saturday morning’s services included the Lesser Blessing of the Waters and Divine Liturgy.
Photo: Holy Cross Monastery
At the end of the Liturgy, Bp. Luke led a procession to the outdoor chapel, where he blessed newly arrived golden cupolas and crosses for the new church. The monastery had ordered these items years ago, but various delays had prevented their delivery until they arrived in time for the feast day blessing.
Returning to the church, Bp. Luke led a festal moleben to St. Panteleimon for the sick and suffering.
Then he formally installed Igumen Gabriel as the new Holy Cross abbot, entrusting him with the abbatial staff.
“Afterwards, Vladyka Luke exhorted all those present to emulate St. Panteleimon by striving to acquire the same courageous spirit as the great martyr. He reminded everyone that although we may not be able to imitate his martyric sufferings in the flesh, nevertheless we can and should imitate his spiritual fortitude and fervent love for Christ God in the circumstances of our own lives.”
Photo: Holy Cross Monastery
Clergy from several Orthodox communities participated in the services, including Archimandrite John (Townsend) and the brotherhood of Holy Elders of Optina Skete in Roswell, Georgia, along with other regional clergy. Nuns from Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, also attended.
The day continued with a banquet for clergy and faithful, followed by a graveside panikhida service led by Bp. Luke for Archimandrite Panteleimon (Nizhnik), founder of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, and for the recently departed Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon and other departed fathers of Holy Cross Monastery.
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