SPIRITUAL SERVICES

Russian and Other Eastern Orthodox

The Chaplain for Tolstoy Foundation Rehabilitation and Nursing Center is The Reverend Father Gregory Kotlaroff, the Rector of St. Sergius of Radonezh Russian Orthodox Church, located at the Tolstoy Foundation Center.  

Father Gregory ministers to the sick and dying, regardless of faith, on a 24-hour basis.  He is also available to the families of Residents should they wish to speak or pray with a priest.  On numerous holy days throughout the year, Father Gregory conducts religious services on-site.  For those holy days and feasts of the Orthodox liturgical calendar when religious services are held at St. Sergius Church, the services are transmitted-live to the dining room in the Nursing Home. For the cognizant Resident who so requests, attendance at religious services can usually be arranged, particularly since St. Sergius is located on the adjacent grounds of Tolstoy Foundation Center, less than a five minute walk. Residents however must be accompanied by either a staff or family member who remains with them throughout the service and sees the person home.

Western Christianity - Roman Catholic

Nearby St. Paul's Church, in Congers, provides Sunday communion which is administered by several of their Eucharistic Ministers. On the last Thursday of each month, a priest from St. Paul's celebrates Mass in our Resident Dining Room. A priest is available at other times by request.

Other Religions

For those of other faiths, we encourage clergy visits to minister to the needs of their faithful. Residents, or their loved ones, can request a clergy visit or services to our Activity Department; a member of that department will make the necessary arrangements. Clergy of all faiths are welcome any time.

Bible Study

Bible readings in English and Russian are among the activity programs, as is reciting of the rosary under the auspices of the Legion of Mary.