On Saturday, February 22, the St. Tikhon's Mission Choir was honored to visit St. Basil's Orthodox Church in Watervliet, NY.  The Choir sang at both Vespers on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning.  Fr. Steven Voytovich, the Dean of St. Tikhon's Seminary sang with the choir and delivered the homily during Divine Liturgy.  The choir was welcomed with open arms and was humbled by the tremendous hospitality of the members of St. Basil's.  In addition, Fr. Peter Olsen, pastor, sent flyers to the community to invite them to “come and see,”  encountering the Orthodox Church by hearing the seminary choir.  Fr. Steven shared his excitement with the parish about such a creative and evangelistic approach to the Mission Choir visit.  According to Fr. Peter, several neighbors did respond to the invitation.

Following Divine Liturgy, a sumptuous Meatfare Sunday luncheon was enjoyed by all present, as they also browsed through items brought from the St. Tikhon’s Bookstore.  We were blessed to have Fr. Matthew Markewich, bookstore manager, with us for the weekend who is a much loved son of St. Basil’s. Fr. Matthew served Vespers as well as engaged the faithful during coffee hour as they visited the bookstore.  Many thanks to the faithful of St. Basil's, and especially to Fr. Peter Olsen for making this trip possible.  May God grant them many years.