NEW YORK: 9 October 2024
Services of the Primate of the Russian Church Abroad

On Sunday, October 6, 2024, the 15th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church also celebrated the Conception of the honorable and glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, officiated at Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York. His Eminence was co-served by the cathedral's clerics: Senior Priest Archpriest Andrei Sommer and Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov. The cathedral’s congregants and other believers were in attendance, many partaking of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

At the end of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed those present with a sermon on the Epistle reading of the day, urging them to turn more often to the Holy Scriptures and to spiritually guard their hearts. Speaking about the conception of John the Baptist, His Eminence noted the importance of paying attention to the words of the prophet about repentance and hope in the Savior, as his parents did.

Vladyka Nicholas also called upon those present to pray for the victims of Hurricane Helene in the American Southeast.

In the cathedral hall, the sisterhood arranged a luncheon for the clergy and faithful, during which their interaction continued.

The next day, October 7, the feast day of St Thecla, Equal-to-the-Apostles, His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Church of the same name in Wheaton, near Washington, DC. Here, His Eminence congratulated the rector, Archpriest John Johnson, and the parishioners on their patronal feast, wishing them many mercies and blessings from God.

On the evening of the same day, the First Hierarch celebrated all-night vigil, and the next morning celebrated the feast day of the lower Church of St Sergius of Radonezh at the Synodal Residence in New York City. In his sermon, His Eminence spoke about the significance of the life and memory of St Sergius for the children of the Russian Orthodox Church in the Fatherland and the diaspora. At the end of the service, a luncheon was served for the clergy and worshipers.

Eastern American Diocese.