EASTERN AMERICAN DIOCESE: 11 January 2024
Nativity of Christ celebrations at the Synodal Cathedral led by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad

His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York officiated the divine services for the Nativity of Christ in the Synodal Cathedral "of the Sign" in New York City.

On Saturday, January 6, 2024, His Eminence officiated all-night vigil, co-served by Cathedral Dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, cathedral clerics Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan) and Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff, and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

At the festal Divine Liturgy on Sunday, January 7, concelebrating with His Eminence were Fr Andrei, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov (cathedral cleric), Priest Anatoly Revitskyy, Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cathedral clerics), and Fr Panteleimon.

On the eve of the Nativity of Christ, the clergy of the Cathedral of the Sign was increased with two priests and a deacon. On Saturday, January 6, at the end of the Liturgy, the decrees of His Eminence were read on the appointment of Fr Seraphim, Fr Theognost and Fr Serge as clerics of the Synodal Cathedral. Acting conductor of the Synodal Choir Vadim Gan was confirmed in this position.

Numerous parishioners, as well as Orthodox Christians from New York and other cities gathered to honor the newly born Divine Infant and pray before the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, who was in her home during the holidays. Having honored them all, they partook of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

The Mayor of New York City, the Honorable Eric Adams, was also present at Liturgy.

Before Holy Communion, Fr Seraphim read the Nativity Epistle of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

Metropolitan Nicholas congratulated everyone on the radiant feast of Nativity according to the Flesh of Christ the Savior

The choristers sang Christmas carols. A festal meal was held in the cathedral hall.

Eastern American Diocese