On February 15, Meatfare Sunday and the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Concelebrating with His Grace were cathedral clergy: dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov, Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky, as well as Deacon George Bolshan (cleric of the Canadian Diocese).

The choir sang beautifully during the service under the direction of Isaiah Trofimenko.

Parishioners of the Canadian Diocese also prayed at the service. The cathedral was full of worshippers, most of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Theodosius addressed the faithful with a sermon on the subject of the feast, wishing those gathered to always ask for the help of our Heavenly Mother and Intercessor.

His Grace performed the rite of blessing candles, which is traditionally performed on the Feast of the Meeting of the Lord and symbolizes the Light of Christ and the enlightenment of souls. The faithful received candles for prayer at home.

Fr. Andrei Sommer expressed joy at Bishop Theodosius’ arrival in New York and recalled how he greeted him upon his arrival in the United States 30 years ago. Fr. Andrei presented Bishop Theodosius with an icon of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco, and invoked the saint’s blessing and prayers upon his labors.

The clergy and faithful then gathered for a festal meal in the cathedral hall, where their fraternal fellowship continued.