On January 5, the 28th Sunday after Pentecost, that before Christ’s Nativity, of the Holy Fathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence were cathedral clerics: Archpriests Andrei Sommer (cathedral dean) and Seraphim Chemodakov, Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky.

The Synodal choir sang wonderfully under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan.

The service was held under the aegis of the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, which had recently returned from its travels for the great feast.

The cathedral was adorned for Christ’s Nativity. A multitude of the faithful prayed at Liturgy, any of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. Upon completion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas spoke about the world before Christ’s Nativity; he noted the importance of faith in Jesus Christ and acknowledging that God is our Savior.

A traditional lenten luncheon was served in the cathedral hall, during which interaction between the clergy and parishioners continued.