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.

Concelebrating with His Eminence at Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning were: cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov (cleric of Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ), Hieromonk Theognost (Kagan; cleric of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), Protodeacons Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric) and Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

Singing at Liturgy was the Synodal choir under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan. An icon of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai with a piece of the saint’s relics was placed on the analogion in the middle of the church.

Parishioners of the cathedral and other churches of the city came to pray at the service, many of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas greeted all with the feast and addressed those present with a sermon, in which he said, in part:

"Today is the day of the repose of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco (+1966 in Seattle). The saint was glorified in 1994. His incorrupt relics reside in Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral in San Francisco, and we have a piece of his holy relics here in the cathedral.

"The Synod of Bishops resolved to celebrate St. John’s memory on the nearest Saturday to the date of his repose and the date of his glorification. Yesterday, we concelebrated Liturgy, and left the icon out for today, so that you could fervently pray to the Holy Hierarch John."

His Eminence reminded them that on this day the Holy Church also commemorates the Apostle Jude.

"The Apostle Jude was a brother of the Lord, a son of Joseph the Betrothed. He is also called Lebbæus and Thaddeus. ‘Lebbæus’ means ‘hearty.’ It is known that originally the Apostle Jude did not believe in Christ, but later accepted him with his whole heart at his Divine Teacher.

"The meaning of the name Thaddeus is ‘one who gives praise’. Jude, after confessing Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, began to preach Him as the Savior of the world. He preached in Samaria, Mesopotamia, and Persia, and received a martyric death. To this day, word of Christ is preached. We must hear these words, live as Christians, and relay the Word of God to other people.

"It is interesting to note that in Tennessee there is a hospital with an oncology center. One good man built this hospital in honor of St. Jude, and they treat children and try to help them there for free.

"In our country, there are other Christian places, as well, even cities named for saints: there is Santa Barbara in California, the city of St. Paul in Minnesota, even the City of Angels. It had a Christian beginning. But man, who forgot God, perverted the City of Angels.

"We too have a good beginning in our life: holy baptism, chrismation, and we bear the name of a saint who is always with us. Let us manifest love for God and neighbor and, like the apostles, let us preach the Word of God by our life, by our Christian example."

The day prior, Saturday, in memory of the anniversary of Metropolitan Nicholas’ hierarchal consecration, Fr. Andrei Sommer reminisced about how the 20th anniversary celebrations of St. John’s glorification were taking place in Joy of All Who Sorrow Cathedral in San Francisco, during which the consecration of the then-Bishop Nicholas took place. Fr. Andrei greeted His Eminence and noted that "The whole Church Abroad prays for you today, calling down God’s particular mercy. May it help you in your difficult obedience." He further wished the Metropolitan strength, health, and salvation.

On Saturday and Sunday, the cathedral sisterhood organized a luncheon in the church hall.