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.
Concelebrating with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were: cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov (cleric of Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ), Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).
Singing at the divine services was the Synodal choir under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan.
Liturgy was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.
A multitude of parishioners praying at Liturgy communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.
Upon completion of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas greeted those gathered with the ongoing feast of Christ’s Nativity, and reminded them that, on the second day of the radiant feast, the Church honors the Most Holy Theotokos.
"We are under the omophorion of the Kursk Root Icon, which does not forsake us. The Mother of God gives us an example of humility, obedience and love for God. We are dutybound to act likewise in our own lives, to manifest obedience and patience, and to love God.
"Today is also the Sunday after the feast of Christ’s Nativity. The Church honors the kinsmen of the Savior: the Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, King David, and James, the Brother of the Lord. The Righteous Joseph took special care of the Mother of God and the Divine Infant. This is an example for us, that in our lives we might safeguard the Orthodox Faith, correctly confess it, protect that Faith, and pass on the words of salvation to other: that our life is only in Christ and with Christ."
A hierarchal reception was held in the church hall, during which the Synodal choir performed a concert.
New York City: On Second Day of Christmas, Metropolitan Nicholas celebrates Liturgy in Synodal Cathedral
Photos: Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese - T. Veselkina
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