On Saturday, December 30, funeral services for Hieromonk Alexander (Lisnichuk) were held at St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA. Fr. Alexander reposed on Thursday, December 28, after a battle with brain cancer and postoperative infection. A panihida was served on Friday evening.

As the 2023 year departs, the Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese would like to share some of the year’s top stories with our readers. Below you will find articles on the principal and defining events in the life of the Diocese over the last year.

On Thursday, December 28, after a serious illness, Hieromonk Alexander (Lisnichuk), cleric of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA reposed in the Lord. He was 60 years old.

Having celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 24 in Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY, the attendees of the 44th annual St. Herman Youth Conference continued their work.

On December 24, the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY. Having officiated at the All-Night Vigil the evening prior, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was greeted at the doors of the church with the traditional bread and salt.

On Friday, December 22, the clergy and parishioners of Our Lady "Unexpected Joy" Church in Staten Island, NY celebrated their parish’s patronal feast day.

On Friday evening, December 22, young people from across the Eastern American & Canadian Dioceses began arriving for the 44th annual St. Herman Youth Conference, held this year at Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY

On Monday the 18th and Tuesday the 19th of December, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, visited St. Nicholas Diocesan Cathedral in Montreal, QC, Canada, on the occasion of the cathedral’s patronal feast day

On Tuesday, December 19, the feast of Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Enfield, CT, where he officiated the divine services on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Tuesday, December 19, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Stratford, CT, where he officiated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

On December 6//19, the Orthodox Church prayerfully commemorates the feast of one of the greatest saints – the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker. This feast was especially lovingly celebrated in Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On December 17, the 28th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Great-Martyr Barbara and Venerable John Damascene, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On December 16-17, the 28th Sunday after Pentecost, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services.

On Wednesday, December 13, the parish of St. Andrew Patriarchal Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA celebrated its patronal feast day.

On Sunday, December 3, the eve of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, the All-Night Vigil was served in Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of one of the most remarkable and ancient icons of Orthodox Russia – the Kursk Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" – abiding in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, which was specially designed and named in its honor.

On Friday, December 1, the Eastern American Diocesan Council held its quarterly meeting in a remote, online format. His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York opened the meeting and, after a prayer, welcomed the Council members.

From the editor: Having completed their work, the Synod of Bishops adopted the text presented below of an epistle to the clergy, monastics, and flock, read aloud before Holy Communion at Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 10, the patronal feast day of the Cathedral of the Sign at Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

On Sunday, December 10, the feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" was prayerfully celebrated in Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL. The Kursk Icon is a specially venerated icon for the entirety of the Orthodox Diaspora. Many generations of Orthodox Christians, as well as luminaries of Orthodoxy, such as Venerable Seraphim of Sarov and the Optina Elders, have prayed before this icon.

On Friday, 8 December, after Divine Liturgy on the Leavetaking of the feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, a session of the Synod of Bishops commenced at the Synodal Residence of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad in New York City.

On Sunday, December 3 – the eve of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos – Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of the Entrance into the Temple of the Holy Virgin (St. Mary’s) in Jamesville-Syracuse, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s upcoming patronal feast day.

Just as the Nativity Fast begins, the great feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple comes upon us. What is even more joyful is that, starting with the canon at Matins during the All-Night Vigil, we begin to hear Nativity hymns: in this case, the irmoi of the canon of the Nativity, which from now until the feast will be sung during festal services. In this way, the Church begins to prepare us for this radiant feast.

On December 3, the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, on the eve of the great feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, officiated the festal divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Tuesday, November 21, the feast of the Holy Archangel Michael and all of the Heavenly Bodiless Hosts was celebrated at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and monastery abbot, officiated the divine services: the All-Night Vigil on the eve of the feast, and Divine Liturgy together with the monastery clergy the following morning.

From Wednesday the 22nd to Saturday the 25th of November, the annual pastoral convocation of the clergy of the Diocese of Great Britain & Western Europe took place in the Church of the Nativity of Christ & St. Nicholas in Florence, Italy.

On Tuesday, November 21, the feast of the Holy Archangel of God Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Hosts, the clergy and parishioners of St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ, celebrated their patronal feast day. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the occasion.

On November 19, the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nektarios Church in Lenoir City, TN. This visit was timed for the weekend preceding the parish’s patronal feast, which took place on Wednesday, November 22.

On Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th of November, St. Tikhon Church in Blountville, TN jubilantly celebrated its patronal feast day ‒ kept annually on the anniversary of St. Tikhon’s election as Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia in 1917. This year, the celebrations were officiated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of October, the 25th annual pilgrimage of the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY took place in a spirit of thankful prayer to God.

On Friday evening, November 10, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Norwich, CT, accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On November 12, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Sunday the 5th and Monday the 6th of November, the feast of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Cumming (Atlanta), GA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the patronal feast of the city’s eponymous parish.

On Sunday, November 5, the feast of the Holy Apostle James, Brother of the Lord, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. James in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On November 5, the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On November 5, the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of the Holy Apostle James, Brother of the Lord, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. James in honor of the saint’s feast day.

The 30th North American Church Music Conference was very productive and a great success, uniting church choir directors, singers, and readers. Approximately 60 people gathered in the Ottawa, ON suburb of Kanata.

On Saturday, November 4, the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ, where he officiated its patronal feast day.

On Friday, November 3, the feast of Venerable Hilarion, Schemamonk of the Kiev Caves, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to honor the namesday of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral; +2022), sixth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Tuesday, October 31, and Wednesday, November 1, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to the St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC. To the joy of the faithful, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On October 29, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion who stood at the Cross of our Lord, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th of October, St. Joseph of Optina parish in Virginia Beach, VA experienced a miraculous event – a visit from the myrrh-streaming "Hawaiian" Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.

On October 22, the Sunday the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Fathers Church in New York City, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Friday, October 6, Holy Trinity Publications hosted an event at a private club in Washington, DC to celebrate the release of Foundations of Russian Culture by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann. This is the first work of Fr. Alexander Schmemann’s to be released by Holy Trinity Publications.

In the city of North Port, FL, an important and spiritual significant event took place in the Church of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God – an event that will long be remembered by the faithful. Wednesday, October 18, was the day when the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God visited the community. This event united parishioners and granted them an opportunity greet the holy image with piety and prayer.

On Saturday, October 21, the feast of Venerable Pelagia the Penitent, at the invitation of His Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Three Hierarchs Church in Garfield, NJ on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of parish’s founding in 1898.

The Brotherhood of St. Dionysios in St. James, NY celebrated their patronal feast day on Monday, October 16th, with a visit from His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad brought with him the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" to the joy and blessing of the brotherhood and parishioners.

From Friday the 13th through Sunday the 15th of October, Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY celebrated its patronal feast, blessed by the presence of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, and His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), along with a host of visiting clergy and pilgrims taking advantage of this year’s weekend celebrations.

On October 15, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church honors the memory of Sts. Cyprian and Justina, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, October 7, St. Thecla Church in Wheaton, MD celebrated its fifth patronal feast day. With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), arrived to celebrate Divine Liturgy.

In the last days of the 30th Church Musicians' Conference in Ottawa, Canada, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 8, the feast of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, and on the eve prior officiated All-Night Vigil in the Church of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg in Kanata, ON.

On Sunday, October 8, the feast of the repose of Venerable Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh & Wonderworker of All Russia, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, in honor of the patronal feast of St. Sergius Church at the Synodal Headquarters.

On October 1, the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Church of All Saints of the Russian Land in Burlingame, CA, the former summer residence of His Beatitude, the ever-memorable Metropolitan Anastassy (Gribanovsky; +1965).

St. John the Wonderworker Parish is building a new church in Winfield, PA, with groundbreaking being celebrated this week. Excavating and laying the foundation are scheduled to be done by Thanksgiving, with the building to be up and enclosed by early 2024 and hopefully occupancy by summer, according to church officers.

On Saturday, September 30, the feast of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Charity and their mother Sophia, a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the Holy Hierarch John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco the Wonderworker, took place in the Diocesan Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA.

On Thursday, September 21, the day of the great feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, arrived at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY from the Synod to celebrate the parish’s patronal feast, greeted by the peal of bells.

On Tuesday the 26th and Wednesday the 27th of September, divine services were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City for the great feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. Officiating the All-Night Vigil with the Rite of the Exaltation of the Cross was Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

One of the great feasts of the Church is the Exaltation of the Live-Giving Cross of the Lord. The Cross is the main symbol of our salvation. Upon it our Savior was crucified and died for our sins.

On Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th of September, the afterfeast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos and the feast of the Glorification of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg (1978), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Xenia Church in Methuen, MA on the occasion of their patronal feast. The parish just completed an extensive addition & renovation project, so it was a doubly blessed visit.

On Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th of September, Holy Trinity Church in Mebane, NC hosted two most instructive lectures by Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, professor of Church History & Canon Law at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY. Fr. Andrei is also the publisher of ROCOR Studies, a website dedicated to objective study and research of the history of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Sunday, September 24, the afterfeast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Albany, NY on the occasion of their recent patronal feast.

Having served Divine Liturgy today in the Synodal St. Sergius Chapel and beginning to attend to various matters in my office, I was informed of the bomb threat situation at our Holy Trinity Monastery. This caused me grief.

On Thursday, September 28, the Holy Church celebrates the memory of the Venerable Fathers and God-pleasing saints of the Kiev Caves Lavra, reposing in the Near Caves.

The first feast of the Church year is the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. In his sermon for the feast, His Holiness, Patriarch Kyrill, pointed out that Orthodox Christians begin the Church year with the blessing of the Mother of God and finish the Church year with her blessing as well, celebrating the feast of Her Dormition.

From September 9th through the 11th, St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC hosted celebrations in honor of the patronal feast of the American capital’s ROCOR parish.

On Sunday, September 17, the feast of Holy Prophet Moses the God-seer, the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Seminary concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Cathedral in Jordanville, NY.

On Saturday, September 16, the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY continued with an academic theological conference entitled "The Orthodox Christian Seminary in the 21st Century."

On Friday evening, September 15, a concert entitled "Bells, Choirs & Resounding Virtuosity" was held at the Christ Episcopal Church in Cooperstown, NY, beginning the celebrations dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY.

On Monday the 11th and Tuesday the 12th of September, the clergy and parishioners of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral marked their patronal feast day. This year, the celebrations were officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New Yorк

On Friday, September 8, after several months visiting the parishes and monastery of Western Europe, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God returned to her Home – the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. The holy icon had visited the Diocese of Germany and neighboring dioceses.

On Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of September, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Andrew Stratelates Cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL. His Eminence’s visit was timed in connection with the celebration of the parish’s patronal feast on September 1, the 75th anniversary of its founding, and the 30th anniversary of Archpriest Igor Chitikov’s rectorship.

On Sunday, September 10, the Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Uncovering of the Relics of Venerable Job of Pochaev in 1659. Due to the long Labor Day weekend, Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, holds a popular pilgrimage in honor of the beloved saint, one of the monastery’s Heavenly patrons. On the feast itself, however, the monks also serve All-Night Vigil and celebrate hierarchal Divine Liturgy in the lower Church of St. Job.

For decades, it has been the tradition of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to hold a special popular celebration commemorating the Venerable and God-bearing Job of Pochaev, the Heavenly protector of the monastery’s publishing efforts, as well as honoring the wonderworking Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, over the long Labor Day Weekend.

On Thursday, August 31, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus. This was the namesday of the much-beloved and ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla; +2008) and Archimandrite Flor (Vanko; +2012).

On Sunday the 27th and Monday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY

The feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated very solemnly in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. In recent years, the Burial of the Mother of God has been added to the monastery typicon.

On Thursday, August 31, the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and the feast of the Holy Martyrs Florus & Laurus, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Alexander Nevsky Church at the Russian Archæological Excavations in Jerusalem.

On August 27, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On Sunday the 27th and Monday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos was greeted with special solemnity in the Gethsemane of Florida ‒ the Church of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port.

On Saturday, August 26, the leavetaking of the feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, currently visiting the Holy Land on pilgrimage, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Gorny Convent in Ein Karem.

On Saturday, August 19, the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, co-served by monastery clergy.

On Tuesday, August 22, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived in Jerusalem and was greeted at Holy Ascension Convent on the Mount of Olives where, on the afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and the feast of Holy Apostle Matthias, His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On August 20, the 11th Sundy after Pentecost and the afterfeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, August 19, the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On August 19, the Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. This feast calls on every Christian to transform his life, to cleanse his soul of sins and passions, and to fill it with the light of repentance and love for God and neighbor.

On August 13, the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, the forefeast of the Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th of August, St. Stephen the Protomartyr Church in Old Forge, PA celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived to officiate the divine services in honor of the parish’s milestone.

On Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th of August, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, officiated the feast day celebrations of the Holy Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, patron saint of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV.

On Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th of August, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, where he officiated the parish’s patronal feast day.

From Sunday the 16th to Saturday the 29th of July, the Synodal School of Liturgical Music (SSLM) held its 32nd annual summer session in the refurbished rooms and halls of the former Old Persons’ Home at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

On Saturday, August 5, the feast of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, the clergy and faithful solemnly celebrated the patronal feast day of Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On Sunday, August 6, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Seraphim Camp in Blakeslee, PA, where he officiated the divine services and spent time interacting with campers.

On Saturday, August 5, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Panteleimon Chapel on Lake Kittatinny in New Jersey. 

On Tuesday, August 1, the feast of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, a large number of believers gathered at St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY, despite it being a weekday. The church was full of adults and young pilgrims

On Sunday, July 30, St. Basil the Great Church in Belle Vernon, PA celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding. With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) arrived to celebrate Divine Liturgy.

On Sunday, July 30, a multitude of diocesan clergy and faithful of the tristate area gathered for the annual celebrations and Divine Liturgy in St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York.

On Friday, July 28, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Sabbas Stavropegial Monastery in Harper Woods, MI.

On Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th of July, at the invitation of His Eminence Peter, Archbishop of Chicago & Mid-America, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern American & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Church in Ann Arbor, MI, where he officiated the divine services for the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Thursday, July 20, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid a brief visit to the summer camp of the Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia (NORR) in Woodbourne, NY

On Friday, July 28, when the Holy Church celebrates the memory of the baptizer and enlightener of Rus’, the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, the clergy of the New Jersey Deanery celebrated the patronal feast of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ.

On July 23, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost and the date when the Holy Church honors the memory of Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday the 17th and Tuesday the 18th of July, the parish of St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC celebrated its patronal feast day. The rector, Archpriest Mark Mancuso, officiated the divine services, co-served by clergy from across the Deanery of the Carolinas & Tennessee

On Saturday, July 22, the feast of Venerable Gabriel, Abbot of St. Elijah Skete on Mount Athos & Wonderworker of Odessa, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY.

From Thursday the 13th through Sunday the 16th of July, the New York "Tsarskoe Selo" Chapter of the St. George Pathfinders of America held its celebrations in honor of its founding on January 20, 1948 by Scoutmaster Andrew V. Ilyinsky.

On Tuesday, July 18, when the Holy Church commemorates the Finding of the Relics of Venerable Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy for the patronal feast of St. Sergius English Mission at the Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

From Friday the 14th to Monday the 17th of July, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the clergy and faithful of the Nativity of Christ Old Rite Community in Erie, PA. His Eminence was accompanied by His Grace John, Bishop of Caracas & South America.

On Thursday, July 13, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the Orthodox Church in America’s historic Holy Trinity Diocesan Cathedral in Chicago, IL.

On Thursday, July 13, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the ORPR Diocesan Youth Camp in Rock City, IL. This was His Eminence’s first visit to a children’s camp since his election as Primate.

On June 29/July 12, the Holy Church commemorates the Holy Preeminent Apostles Peter & Paul. On this day in 2003, Archimandrite Peter (Loukianoff) was ordained Bishop of Cleveland, vicar of the Diocese of Chicago & Detroit (now the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America) at the diocesan cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God in Des Plaines (Chicago), IL.

On Sunday, June 25, a benevolent concert to benefit those in need and victims of the war in Ukraine was held in the cathedral hall of the Synod of Bishops in New York City. The concert was planned a year ago, at the end of May, and received the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion of blessed repose.

On Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of July, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Tikhvin Church in Howell, NJ, on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th of July, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of July, the feast day of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Wonderworker Mission in Lewisburg, PA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the mission’s patronal feast.

On Sunday, June 25, the Apostolic Mission of Christ, under the protection of the Holy Apostles, in Miami, FL, celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding. His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), paid an archpastoral visit to the parish in honor of the event, and celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of July, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Preparations for Sunday, July 2, the feast of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco, mobilized all the parishioners of Paroisse Saint Jean de Shanghai et de San Francisco in Les Cayes, Haiti. The priest, Fr. Pierre Laguerre, held many services throughout the preceding week, and two children and a young adult were baptized the day before the feast.

On Thursday, June, 8 a new skete was officially opened in Coconut Creek, FL. Holy Great Martyr & Healer Panteleimon Skete is a dependency of the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension in Resaca, GA.

On Sunday, July 2, the community of Misión San Juan de Shanghai y San Francisco in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, had the joy of celebrating its patronal feast – the commemoration of the Holy Hierarch John. With a prayerful attitude, the clergy and faithful began the services in preparation for Divine Liturgy, being embellished by the choir of young people.

On Thursday, 29 June, the feast of the Holy Hierach Tychon, Bishop of Amathus, the Holy Martyrs Tygrius the Priest and Eutopius the Reader, Venerable Tychon of Kaluga and Moses of Optina, the Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Bishop of Tobolsk...

On June 25, the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, and the date when the Holy Church also commemorates the Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On June 18, the Second Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints who have Shone Forth in the Russian Land, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL.

On Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of June, the Sunday of All Saints who have Shone Forth in the Russian Land, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Saints Theodore Church in Buffalo, NY

On June 18, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints who have shone forth in the Russian Land, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sig in New York City.

On June 11, the 1st Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th of June, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the hierarchal divine services in honor of the patronal feast of St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, MA.

On Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of June, the great feast of Pentecost was celebrated in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville with the usual solemnity. In preparation for the feast, Holy Trinity Cathedral was decorated with green saplings and bouquets of flowers.

On Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of June, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the hierarchal divine services in honor of the patronal feast of Holy Trinity Church in Mebane, NC.

On Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of June, the great feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles – Pentecost, Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ celebrated its patronal feast day. Archpriest Ljubo Milosevic officiated the divine services – All-Night Vigil on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy and Great Vespers with the Kneeling Prayers on Sunday morning.

On Sunday, June 4, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, the faithful gathered at St. Vladimir Cemetery in Jackson, NJ for a panihida at St. John the Baptist Chapel to commemorate the victims of Lienz. Archpriest Boris Slootsky (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ), led the panihida.

The 75th school year at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY has been successfully completed, and on May 28, the 7th Sunday after Pascha – that of the Holy Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, the seminary celebrated its annual commencement.

On May 29, the Monday of the 7th week after Pascha, coinciding with the observance of Memorial Day, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited St. Tikhon Stavropegial Monastery of the Orthodox Church in America in South Canaan, PA.

On Wednesday the 24th and Thursday the 25th of May, the great feast of the Lord’s Ascension, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the hierarchal divine services at Christ the Savior Church in Wayne, WV. The visit of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was timed for the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the parish’s founding.

On Thursday, May 25, the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension in Resaca, GA celebrated its patronal feast day. Monastery abbot Archimandrite Maximos (Weimar) celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy

On Wednesday, May 24 – the Apodosis of Pascha – the grace of God was poured out with overwhelming abundance on the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV. The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, presided at hierarchal Divine Liturgy, which was festively served (according to ancient custom) exactly as on Holy Pascha itself.

On May 21, the Sunday of the Blind Man, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Summerville, SC. That weekend, the parish was celebrating not only the appointed feasts of the day and Sunday, but also the 50th anniversary of its founding and the upcoming patronal feast of the Holy Equals-of-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs ‒ May 24.

Thursday, May 25, the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, marked the fifth anniversary of the blessed repose of Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, longtime rector of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ. Parish and local clergy gathered to honor the feast and pray for the eminent cleric’s soul.

On Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of May, Brisbane celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first Orthodox parish in Australia. Hundreds of parishioners of this and other Orthodox churches from different cities of Australia and invited high-ranking guests gathered at St Nicholas Cathedral. The service was attended by three bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and about 70 clergy. Orthodox Christians of Brisbane had never seen such a large-scale event.

On May 21, the Sunday of the Blind Man, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. The hierarchal service was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast day, which would take place the following day, May 22.

On Saturday, May 13, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese and abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, arrived in Australia to take part in the celebrations of the centennial anniversary of the founding of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Brisbane, Queensland.

On Saturday, May 13, the Russian School at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ held its graduation ceremony. The students and faculty first assembled in the cathedral for a thanksgiving moleben.

On Thursday, May 18, the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice," Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous stavropegial metochion church in Brooklyn, NY, in honor of its patronal feast day.

On Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of May, the Sunday of the Paralytic, the Youth Choir – under the direction of Gregory Ivanov – sang at the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy in the Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On Tuesday, May 16, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to commemorate the first anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), sixth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Monday, May 15, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, received His Eminence Niphon, Metropolitan of Philippopolis, representative of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch & All the East, to His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, at his residence in New York City.

On Tuesday, May 16, the Russian Church Abroad commemorated the blessed repose of its First Hierarch, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral).

On May 14, the 5th Sunday after Pascha, that of the Samaritan Woman, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, May 13, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, participated in the festive reception for the enthronement of His Eminence, Metropolitan Saba, as primate of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.

On May 7th, the Sunday of the Paralytic, the clergy and parishioners of St. Matrona Mission celebrated the first Divine Liturgy and patronal feast day at their new location in Lexington, KY. With the blessing of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, the parish transferred the celebration of the feast of St. Matrona of Moscow from May 2nd to that Sunday.

On Friday, May 12, the Eastern American Diocese Assembly was held at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY. Officiating the Assembly was the Diocese’s Ruling Bishop, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

We have gathered during these Paschal days for the first time in five years. I am glad we are able to meet and hope that we will be able to discuss our diocesan affairs for the benefit of all.

On April 30, the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, professor of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY, concelebrated at Divine Liturgy with the clergy of Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT, and after lunch delivered a lecture for parishioners and guests entitled "The History of the Russian Orthodox Church: Part II – the Muscovite Period."

After serving Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 7, Archpriest Victor Potapov (rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC) received a call from a parishioner who had been at the capital’s Rock Creek Cemetery visiting the grave of her son. She informed Fr. Victor that the Iveron Cemetery Chapel had been vandalized.

The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held its regular teleconference on Thursday, May 4, chaired by its Primate, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. During his first visit as First Hierarch to Germany

On Saturday, May 6, the feast day of the Holy Great-Martyr & Trophy-Bearer George, St. George Cossack Church in Howell, NJ celebrated its patronal feast.

On April 30, the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Brooklyn, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On April 30, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, His Grace, Bishop Jerome, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. The visit to the Nyack parish on this weekend has become an annual tradition for the retired diocesan vicar.

On Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th of April, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, where he officiated the solemn divine services on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the parish.

On April 23, the 2nd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Apostle Thomas, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Seraphim Cathedral of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

On Thomas Sunday, April 23 ‒ the feast of Antipascha – the patronal festal celebrations of Holy Resurrection Diocesan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina were officiated by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, who arrived from New York accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On Thomas Sunday, April 23, local faithful and members of the Kuban Cossack Voisko gathered at St. Vladimir Cemetery in Jackson, NJ, for the traditional "Krasnaya Gorka" celebrations – when believers, radiant with Paschal joy, come to the cemeteries to pray for their departed relatives in the hope of the general resurrection.

NEW PHOTOS! The Diocesan Media Office will publish photo-reports of Holy Week & the Feast of feasts – the Lord’s Pascha in the parishes and monasteries of the Eastern American Diocese on the diocesan website. 

On Bright Saturday, April 22, clergy of the New Jersey Deanery gathered at St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, where they celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Bright Monday, April 17, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. At the entrance to the cathedral, His Eminence was greeted by the gathered clergy and students of the parish Russian School.

On the night of Sunday, April 16, the clergy and parishioners of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City celebrated the principal feast of the Christian world – Christ’s Glorious Resurrection.

On Great Saturday, April 15, when the Orthodox Church commemorates the bodily burial of Jesus Christ and His descent into Hades, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

With a sense of Paschal joy and special spiritual closeness, despite the distances separating us, I greet you, Eminent Brother-Archpastors, reverend fathers, dear brothers and sisters scattered throughout the world, on this great and light-bearing day of the Pascha of Christ!

I address all of you, Orthodox Christians living in many countries of the world, who are now in churches or praying in your homes, to extend greetings to you on the great feast of Holy Pascha with my heart full of spiritual joy, and to proclaim victoriously in accord with ancient tradition:

On Great & Holy Friday, April 14, when the Holy Church commemorates the holy, salvific, terrible suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City were officiated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York...

On Great and Holy Wednesday, April 12, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the final Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts for this year in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Andrei Sommer (cathedral dean), Archpriest Serafim Gan (chancellor of the Synod of Bishops), and cathedral clerics.

On the great feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated All-Night Vigil on Saturday the 8th and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday the 9th of April in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, April 8, the feast of the Raising of the Righteous Lazarus, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, and celebrated Divine Liturgy there.

On Friday evening, April 7, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the Sacrament of Holy Unction in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday, April 7, the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

Having gathered in Saint Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Lenten retreat and conference of clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese, we, clergy and monastics, spending the past two days in fraternal interaction, attending the divine services and communing of Christ’s Holy Mysteries

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of April, the feast of Venerable Mary of Egypt, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA, and officiated the divine services on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, the feast of the Laudation of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of Our Lady "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in Cumming (Atlanta), GA.

On Wednesday, April 5, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts in St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA.

On Tuesday, April 4, clergymen of the Eastern American Diocese flocked to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA for the start of the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

On Saturday, March 25, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived in Washington, DC, to officiate the divine services for the 4th Sunday of Great Lent and the first Unction service of the Fast for parishioners of the capital’s St. John the Baptist Cathedral (the second will take place on Sunday, April 2).

On March 26, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to Venerable John Climacus, the clergy and faithful of the New Jersey Deanery gathered at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ for Divine Liturgy and later, after a fellowship luncheon, to receive the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

On Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th of March, St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City hosted a performance of the musical work "Kanon Pokajanen" ("Penitential Canon") by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.

Almost two and a half years after breaking ground, the local building inspection office granted the parish of Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Harrisonburg, VA a temporary occupancy permit, allowing them to move into their new church edifice at 5004 Cross Keys Road, Mount Crawford, VA. It is only seven minutes from where they had been renting, just outside the city limits of Harrisonburg.

Having gathered in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York, for the Lenten retreat and conference of clergy of the northern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese, we, clergy and monastics, having bowed down in worship before the Cross, communed of the Holy Mysteries, and honored the memory of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, raised up our prayers for the flock entrusted to us.

On Wednesday, March 22, the feast of the Holy 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the northern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On March 19, the Sunday of the Cross, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday, March 17, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ, where he performed the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

On Tuesday, March 21, clergymen of the Eastern American Diocese flocked to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY for the start of the Northern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

On March 19, the Sunday of the Cross, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed the Sacrament of Holy Unction in Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Brooklyn, NY.

On Thursday, March 16, the 15th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) of blessed memory, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On March 12, the second Sunday of Great Lent, that dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY ‒ his first visit in the rank of Metropolitan.

On March 5, the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy and officiated the Rite of Orthodoxy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

During the first week of Great Lent, February 27- March 3, the full cycle of divine services was held in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. Leading the reading of the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete in the evenings, as well as the Divine Liturgies of the Presanctified Gifts, was Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse.

With the start of Great Lent, the divine services with the reading of the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. On Monday, February 27, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated Great Compline with the reading of the Great Canon.

Online registration for the 2023 Lenten Retreat for clergy of the Eastern American Diocese has opened on the diocesan website. 

On Clean Monday, February 27, the Orthodox Church entered the period of Great and Holy Lent. Lent ‒ also known as the springtime of the soul ‒ is a special time of repentance and cleansing of man’s soul.

On Cheesefare Sunday, February 25, the commemoration of Adam’s expulsion from paradise, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

In 2018, for the first time, I had a chance to talk about the history of the ROCOR, Byzantine imperial history, and Church law in the English-language community of St. Nektarios of Aegina in Lenoir City (Knoxville), TN. During that meeting, I recorded an interview with the parish rector, Archpriest Job Watts.

On Thursday, February 23, a regular session of the Synod of Bishops convened via videoconference, presided over by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On February 19, Meatfare Sunday, that of the Dread Judgement, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On February 12 ‒ the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the date when the Holy Church honors the Synaxis of the Three Great Hierarchs and Universal Teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom ‒ Three Hierarchs Church in Hollywood, FL celebrated its patronal feast day. The day before the feast, parishioners spent a Saturday workday preparing the church and adorning their patronal icon.

On Thursday, February 16, the feast day of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan, the namesday of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York was solemnly celebrated in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Wednesday, February 15, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, first vicar of the Western American Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Wednesday, February 15, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT, and officiated the divine services for the parish’s patronal feast day.

This year, the feast of the Three Great and Holy Hierarchs – Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom ‒ the patronal feast of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY ‒ was celebrated with special solemnity. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the seminary, and to mark the occasion, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad – His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, arrived to officiate the divine services.

On Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of February, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the day when the Holy Church honors the Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs ‒ Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom ‒ Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, first vicar of the Western American Diocese, paid his first archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ.

The Eastern American Diocesan Council held its quarterly meeting on Friday, February 3, in a remote, online format. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York opened the meeting and, after a prayer, welcomed the Council members.

On Sunday, February 5, the Holy Church honors the memory of the synaxis of New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia. Prior to the start of Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY, the clergy and faithful greeted the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. On the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived to celebrate the festal Liturgy...

On Friday evening, February 3, with the blessing of His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, Priest Joseph Farooq (rector of St. Michael the Archangel Mission in Sargodha, Pakistan) delivered a presentation on the life of the Pakistan Mission to students of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY.

On Sunday, January 29, the feast of the Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy Apostle Peter, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL.

On Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of January, the Sunday of Zacchæus, a youth choir comprised of choristers from parishes of the Eastern American Diocese in New York and New Jersey visited St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY.

On Saturday, January 28, the feast of Venerable Paul of Thebes and John Calabytes, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Church in Miami, FL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Friday, January 27, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Paideia Classical Academy in Coconut Creek and the Apostolic Mission of Christ Parish in Miami, FL. This was His Eminence’s first visit to the area since his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Sunday, January 29, the feast of the Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy Apostle Peter, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY by parish rector Archpriest Michael Taratuchin.

On Thursday, January 26, Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL received a visit from the great and holy wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd of January, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA, where he officiated the festal divine services. His Eminence’s visit was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast day – the great feast of the Lord’s Theophany, which had been celebrated three days prior.

The great feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany) was celebrated in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the All-Night Vigil on Wednesday the 18th and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Thursday the 19th of January.

On Sunday, January 15, Holy Virgin Protection Russian School in Nyack, NY held its annual Yolka celebration. As in years before, the children of the school diligently worked since October to present the play "By the Wish of the Pike," a fanciful morality play representing the importance of honesty and good deeds by your own hands.

On Saturday, January 14, the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and the Holy Hierarch Basil the Great, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Basil Church in Simpson, PA, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Sunday, January 15, the commemoration of the Repose and Second Finding of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, on the occasion of the patronal feast day of its main St. Seraphim Cathedral, and celebrated festal Divine Liturgy.

The great feast of the Lord’s Theophany was celebrated in our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On January 15, the 31st Sunday after Pentecost, that before Theophany, and the date when the Holy Church honors the memory of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

The joyous feast of Christ’s Nativity was prayerfully celebrated in Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On Monday, January 9, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern American & New York, paid his first official visit following his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad to the Mid-American Diocese. His Eminence accompanied the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God on his visit, to the joy of the local faithful.

On January 8, the 30th Sunday after Pentecost and the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, when the Holy Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos and honors the memory of St. Joseph the Betrothed, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

The Diocesan Media Office has begun publishing photo-reports of the Nativity of our Lord in parishes and monasteries of the Eastern American Diocese on the diocesan website. 

This year, the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY was festive as usual, however without the snow that usually typifies the feast.

On Saturday, January 7, the great feast of the Nativity of Christ, a multitude of parishioners and faithful from other churches in the city gathered in the cathedral; in comparison with past years, many more families were in attendance with their children. All came to express their love for the newborn Divine Infant Christ.

Today, as the Heavenly and earthly Church in conciliar unity glorifies God Incarnate, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the great and radiant feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In these days of great joy, the thoughts of the archpastors, pastors, monastics, parishioners, and faithful of the churches and monasteries of our dioceses, scattered like God’s wheat over the vast earth, meet in the meek Bethlehem cave, in the semi-darkness of which was lit the unquenchable Light of the world ‒ our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

On behalf of the episcopate and the fullness of the Russian Church Abroad, I hasten to fraternally assure you of our common love, support, and prayers for the speedy overcoming of the present difficult ordeals which have befallen you, your monastic brethren

On January 1, 2023, the 29th Sunday after Pentecost and that before Christ’s Nativity, dedicated to the Holy Fathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the first Divine Liturgy of the calendar year in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.