On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, in the evening, Fr. Hieromonk Aidan celebrated the Sarum services of Vespers and Matins in the Church of the Prophet Moses at St. Nicholas Monastery, North Fort Myers, Florida. In attendance were a mixture of Orthodox faithful and Western Christian guests.
On the morning of Wednesday, October 28, the feast of the Holy Relics on the Western calendar, Fr. Aidan celebrated the Sarum services of Terce, Sext, Liturgy, and None, together with the relics-procession appointed for the occurring feast, also in the Church of the holy Prophet Moses. Again, there were Orthodox faithful present, of Eastern and Western backgrounds, as well as Anglican visitors. Those present remarked afterwards how remarkably peaceful and graceful the services were. This was due to the presence of thousands of Saints in their precious Relics, which Mother Andrea had brought into the church and set with high honour, with cloths and flowers, in every available space. This was indeed a profound experience, to pray surrounded (physically) by a cloud of holy witnesses--the prophets, apostles, martyrs, confessors, virgins, and ascetics of the past 2,000 years and more--a mighty host of God's hallows. Through their prayers, O Saviour, have mercy on us sinners, and save us!
Fr. Aidan serves at the Monastery as often as possible, given his duties in Austin, with the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion, Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia.
