On Friday, April 19, the eve of Lazarus Saturday, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan led Matins and the sacrament of Holy Unction in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

His Grace was co-served by cathedral senior priest Archpriest Andrei Sommer; Archpriest Edward Chervinsky (cathedral cleric), Archpriest Alexander Botschagow (rector of Holy Fathers Church in New York City), Hieromonk Zosimas (Krampis; rector of the Synodal English Mission), and Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric).

The church was filled with worshippers wishing to participate in the Sacrament. With the prayerful singing of the cathedral choir, the excerpts from the Epistle and Gospel were read. In accordance with the rite of Holy Unction, all were anointed with holy oil.

Addressing the parishioners, Bishop Nicholas reminded all that Holy Unction does not replace the sacrament of repentance (Confession), but the Lord gives us an additional opportunity to cleanse ourselves from all our sins – voluntary or involuntary, so that with a clean heart and bright mind, we might greet the feast of Christ’s Glorious Resurrection.