EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 4 January 2024
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad celebrates Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign”

On December 31, 2023, the 30th Sunday after Pentecost and before Nativity, that of the Holy Fathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral “of the Sign” in New York City.

Concelebrating with His Eminence at Liturgy were: Archpriest Andrei Sommer (Cathedral Dean), Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan; cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric) and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

The Synodal choir sang beautifully under the direction of conductor Vadim Gan. Liturgy was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora ‒ the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

Praying at the service were cathedral parishioners and faithful from other churches in the city. Most of these communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the faithful with a sermon and spoke about the evangelism of the prophets, who are depicted in part on the Kursk Root Icon, as well as about the approaching feast of Christ’s Nativity.

Eastern American Diocese