NEW YORK: April 26, 2022
Bright Paschal celebrations at the Synodal Cathedral of the Mother of God “of the Sign”

On the night of Sunday, April 24, 2022, the clergy and parishioners of the Synodal Cathedral of the Mother of God “of the Sign” in New York City joyously celebrated the principal Christian feast of Christ’s Resurrection.

Officiating the divine services was His Grace Eastern American Diocesan Vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, co-served by cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Priest Zivojin Jakovljevic (cleric of the Serbian Church in the USA), Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric). Praying in the altar was the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York.

The choir sang beautifully under the direction of conductor Vadim Gan. During Passion Week, to the rejoicing of the clergy and parishioners, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God returned to the cathedral from the Diocese of Great Britain and Western Europe.

Upon completion of Midnight Office, to the chanting of Do not lament Me, O Mother, the shroud was taken from the church into the altar. The time for the procession draws near. The faithful light their candles. In the altar, the sticheron of the feast – Thy Resurrection, O Christ Savior – sounds out. The procession comes forth from the altar with the icon of Christ’s Resurrection and Pascha hymns and heads toward the courtyard of the Synodal Headquarters. Bishop Nicholas proclaims the eternally vivifying and timely words: "Christ is Risen!” The procession returns to the cathedral, the faithful joyously respond to the Paschal greeting of the clergy. In the altar, the cathedral dean changes his vestment colors and greets the believers.

Paschal Matins conclude with the reading of the Paschal Sermon of the Holy Hierarch John Chrysostom by Bishop Nicholas. Divine Liturgy was then celebrated, upon completion of which virtually all of those present communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

The cathedral sisterhood prepared a delicious Paschal meal for all, during which many warm words of greeting were offered.