On February 28, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence were cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Edward Chervinsky and Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral clerics), and Deacon Nicholas Ilyin (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY). Praying in the altar was Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad. The Synodal choir sang prayerfully under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan.

A multitude of parishioners prayed at the service. In advance of Great Lent, most confessed their sins and communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Archbishop Gabriel spoke about the instructive Gospel reading of the day: the parable of the Prodigal Son.

His Eminence offered a reminder regarding our imminent entry into the days of Great Lent, the special importance in these days of remembering the spiritual life and sincere repentance, about preparing in advance for confession and Communion, and how it is never too late to begin life anew.