On the great feast of Theophany – the Baptism of the Lord ‒ solemn divine services were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. On Thursday, January 18, the Eve of Theophany, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great and the festal All-Night Vigil.

On Friday, January 19, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad also celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov, and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cathedral clerics). The Synodal choir sang beautifully at the divine services under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan.

The festal divine services were held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

Despite its being a weekday, many parishioners prayed at the services, and most of the faithful confessed their sins and communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, His Eminence greeted all with the great feast, wishing them good health and reminding them of the goodly tradition of having their homes blessed. Metropolitan Nicholas then performed the Great Blessing of Water.