On March 5, Wednesday of the First Week of Great Lent, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, prayed at the appointed divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, and then celebrated the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

On Cheesefare Sunday, March 2, the commemoration of Adam’s expulsion from Paradise and the feast of the Holy Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, the Wonderworker, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of February, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the services. All of the worshippers were inspired by the presence of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora ‒ the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God ‒ at the divine services.

Online registration for the 2025 Lenten Retreat for clergy of the Eastern American Diocese has opened on the diocesan website. 

On Sunday, February 16, His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, congratulated the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, on the occasion of his namesday:

On February 16, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the feast of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City on the occasion of his namesday.

On Friday the 14th and Saturday the 15th of February, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Bishop Luke of Syracuse officiated the divine services in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, co-served by monastery clergy.

On Saturday, February 15, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT, celebrated its patronal feast day. That day, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived to share in the joy of the feast and to celebrate Divine Liturgy.

On Friday, February 14, the clergy and parishioners of Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL experienced Paschal joy. After years of prayer, contemplation, and fundraising, the parish was able to successfully purchase land and buildings for further expansion.

On Wednesday, February 12, the feast of the Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom, the eponymous church in Hollywood, FL marked its patronal feast day.

On Wednesday, February 12, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. These three great hierarchs and luminaries of the Church are considered patrons of every Orthodox seminary, and therefore this feast is recognized as the patronal feast of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY.

On Sunday, February 9, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Synaxis of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the patronal feast day of the eponymous church in Brooklyn, NY.

On Sunday, February 9, the feast of the Synaxis of the New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Sunday, February 9, the clergy and parishioners of Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Norwich, CT celebrated their parish’s patronal feast day.

On Monday, February 3, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Paideia Classical Academy in Coconut Creek, FL. His Eminence was warmly greeted by the academy’s students, teachers, and staff.

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of February, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL and officiated the divine services there.

On January 26, the Sunday after the Theophany of our Lord, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse performed an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of January, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA, where he officiated the divine services. The visit of the First Hierarch is traditionally held the weekend after the parish’s patronal feast – the Theophany of the Lord.

In recent weeks, the clergy and parishioners of Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Mount Crawford, VA, have been overjoyed to witness the beginning of a long-awaited penultimate project in the construction of their temple.

On Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of January, the great feast of the Theophany of the Lord, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) celebrated Divine Liturgy in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On January 26, the Sunday after the Theophany of our Lord, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of January, the great feast of the Theophany of the Lord, the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City were officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York.

On Sunday, January 5, the Mission of San Juan de Shanghái y San Francisco in Matagalpa, Nicaragua; carried out a significant missionary activity in honor of the upcoming Nativity feast. This event aimed to strengthen the work entrusted to the mission in the region with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas

On Wednesday, January 15, the commemoration of the repose and second finding of the relics of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, on the occasion of the lesser patronal feast day of its St. Seraphim Cathedral, and celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy.

On Wednesday, December 18, the eve of the feast of Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, St. John the Wonderworker Church began services at her newly constructed temple, after having worshipped in rental spaces around Lewisburg, PA, in the Central Susquehanna Valley of Northern Appalachia, since 2015.

On December 25/January 7, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of Christ. Christ’s Nativity is preceded by the Nativity Fast (Advent), which prepares believers to worthily greet the Lord. On the eve of the feast, Monday, January 6, the Royal Hours and Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great were served at Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On January 12, the 29th Sunday after Pentecost, that after the Nativity of Christ, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Serving alongside His Eminence were cathedral clerics: Archpriests Andrei Sommer (dean) and Seraphim Chemodakov, Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky.

The great feast of Christ’s Nativity is celebrated with great solemnity in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

New Photographs! The Diocesan Media Office has begun publishing photo-reports of the Nativity of our Lord in parishes and monasteries of the Eastern American Diocese on the diocesan website. 

On the great feast of the Nativity of Christ, the festal All-Night Vigil on Monday, the 6th, and Divine Liturgy on Tuesday, the 7th of January, were officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

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

Offering praise to God glorified in the Trinity and sharing with all of you the joy of this feast, I convey to you, the Orthodox children of our Church living in Russia and other countries of the Moscow Patriarchate’s pastoral responsibility, my heartfelt greetings on the Feast of the Nativity of Christ, which is the celebration of the Maker’s incarnate love for His creation

With a feeling of rejoicing in the Newborn Christ, I greet my brother-archpastors, reverend fathers, monastics, and all the faithful children of the Russian Church Abroad with the feast of Christ’s Nativity, salvific for the world, the Theophany, and the New Year 2025, fervently wishing everyone all-strengthening joy in the Son of God’s coming into the world.

On December 29, the 27th Sunday after Pentecost and that of the Holy Forefathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

While much of the Western world celebrated Christmas, Orthodox youth from the Russian Church Abroad participated in the annual St. Herman Youth Conference. Nearly 200 youth traveled to Toronto, Canada to attend the conference hosted this year by Holy Trinity Church, which took place December 23-27.

As the 2024 year departs, the Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese would like to share some of the year’s top stories with our readers. Below you will find articles on the principal and defining events in the life of the Diocese over the last year.

On Sunday, December 22, when the Holy Church celebrates the Conception of the Most Holy Theotokos by Righteous Anna and venerates the icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy", Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Staten Island, NY, and celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On December 19, the Orthodox Church prayerfully commemorates the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia. Although St. Nicholas lived long ago in the 4th century, left no theological treatises or works, and did not occupy any major sees, he remains one of the greatest saints and beloved God-pleasers of all times and peoples, honored among the ancient Christian churches.

On Sunday, December 22, the feast of the Conception by Righteous Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st of December, clergy and faithful gathered in St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ to bid farewell to Alexander N. Olhovsky, who reposed on the preceding Tuesday.

In keeping with recently established tradition, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God visited Washington, DC over the Thanksgiving holiday (November 28) and remained with the community until Monday, December 9.

On Tuesday, December 17, the feast of Holy Great Martyr Barbara and the 50th birthday of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, the First Hierarch’s father, Alexander N. Olhovsky, reposed in the Lord.

On December 15, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City and served a panihida for the wife of renowned church composer Boris M. Ledkovsky

On Friday, December 13, on the patronal feast day of St. Andrew Patriarchal Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA, cathedral rector Archpriest Mark Shinn celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Sunday, December 8, the Leavetaking of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos and the feast of the Holy Hieromartyr Clement, Pope of Rome, His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Seattle, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Brooklyn, NY.

On Sunday, December 8, the Leavetaking of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY

The annual meeting of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad concluded with the traditional celebration of Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of December, the Leavetaking of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services.

On Sunday, December 8, the Leavetaking of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, co-served by members of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops

On Sunday, December 8th, the Leavetaking of the feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, Bishop Job of Stuttgart paid his first archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack NY.

On Wednesday, December 4, the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady "Unexpected Joy" Church in Staten Island, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On November 21/December 4, the Orthodox Church prayerfully commemorates the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos.

On Friday evening, December 6, the Synodal Choir held a concert entitled "Your Soul Shall Rejoice" in honor of the tenth anniversary of the episcopal consecration of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. The proceeds of the concert were collected to benefit the restoration of the Synodal headquarters. 

On Wednesday, December 4, when the Holy Church celebrates the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On December 1 – the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost – Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of the Entrance into the Temple of the Holy Virgin (St. Mary’s) in Jamesville-Syracuse, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s upcoming patronal feast day (December 4).

On December 1, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

This year, on Tuesday, December 3, the Fund for Assistance to the Russian Church Outside of Russia is participating in #GivingTuesday, a global day dedicated to giving, for the eighth year in a row.

I greet you with the first days of the Nativity Fast, which prepares us to celebrate the Incarnation and Humanification of the living God, Who became a living Man!

On November 24, the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Andrew Stratelates Cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Tuesday, November 19, Holy Trinity Publications held a book launch for new release: Tsarist Russia in Greater Syria at the diocesan chancery of Bishop John of Worcester & New England (Antiochian Archdiocese) in Westborough, MA. The event featured greetings from Metropolitan Saba (in absentia) and Bishop John, followed by a conversation with the author, Dr Najib E. Saliba.

On Thursday, November 21, the feast of the Holy Archangel of God Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Hosts, the clergy and parishioners of St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ, celebrated their patronal feast day. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the occasion.

On Monday, November 18, the feast of Holy Confessor Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, the burial of Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America took place at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. The day before, on the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, along with the brethren, seminarians, and pilgrims of the monastery, met the coffin with the body of the deceased, which was brought to Holy Trinity Cathedral during the monastic services.

After presiding over the great consecration of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Santa Rosa, CA, on Monday, November 11, and bidding farewell to His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco & Western America, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, headed to Chicago, IL

On Sunday, November 10, the New England Deanery Liturgical Music Committee held the inaugural gathering of the New England Deanery Fellowship Choir at Holy Epiphany Church in Boston (Roslindale), Massachusetts. The "Friendsgiving" event brought together 45 singers and choir directors from across the deanery.

On Wednesday, November 6, when the Holy Church honors the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Joy of All Who Sorrow Church in Philadelphia, PA, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of November, pilgrims from across the Eastern American Diocese flocked to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to commemorate the martyric death of Brother José Muñoz-Cortés, the guardian of myrrh-streaming Montreal Icon of the Mother of God.

On Friday, November 8, the feast of Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, His Eminence Peter, Archbishop of Chicago & Mid-America, unexpectedly reposed in the Lord.

On Thursday, November 7, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York began his archpastoral visit to the Western American Diocese.

On Monday, November 4, the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ, where he officiated its patronal feast day.

On November 3rd, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church commemorates the Venerable Hilarion the Great and Hilarion of the Kiev Caves, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Thursday, October 31, and Friday, November 1, the clergy and parishioners of St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY celebrated their parish’s patronal feast.

On October 26-27, the 18th Sunday after Pentecost, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated celebrations in honor of the 75th anniversary of the founding of Holy Trinity Church and the 50th anniversary of pastoral service of its longtime rector, Archpriest Vladimir Malchenko.

On October 27, the Sunday the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, Holy Fathers Church in New York City marked its patronal feast day.

On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of October ‒ the feast of the Holy Hierarch Jonah of Hankou ‒ His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY.

On October 20, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, parish rector Archpriest Job Watts celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Nektarios Church in Lenoir City, TN, co-served by parish clergy.

On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of October, the 17th Sunday after Pentecost, as well as the day when the Church commemorates the Holy Hierarch Jonah of Hankow, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Stratford, CT.

On Wednesday, October 16, St. Dionysios the Areopagite Monastery in St. James, NY celebrated its patronal feast day. The brotherhood and parishioners welcomed His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, who arrived to officiate the divine services.

On Sunday the 13th and Monday the 14th of October, the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Intercession Church in Glen Cove, NY, where he officiated the divine services on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Monday, October 14, the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in eponymous church in Nyack, NY on the occasion of its patronal feast.

On Monday, October 14, when the Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, Holy Protection Church in New Brunswick, NJ celebrated its patronal feast.

On October 13, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, 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 Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan) and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cathedral clerics).

On Monday, October 7, the feast of Holy Protomartyr & Equal-of-the-Apostles Thecla of Iconium, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Wheaton, MD, and officiated the divine services there on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Monday, October 14, the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, Matushka Joanna (Cynthia) Mitchell, wife of Protodeacon Patrick Mitchell (cleric of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC), reposed in the Lord.

On Saturday, October 12, the feast of the uncovering of the incorrupt and much-healing relics of the Holy Hierarch John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco, the Wonderworker, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Sergius of Radonezh Church at the Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

As was reported, Hurricane Milton approached the state of Florida, and, according to weather forecasters, was slated to bring destruction and danger to the lives of local residents.

On Tuesday, October 8, the feast of the Repose of Venerable Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh and Wonderworker of all Russia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy for the patronal feast day of St. Sergius Church at the Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

On Thursday, September 26 ‒ the Forefeast of the Exaltation of the Cross ‒ Hurricane Helene struck the Asheville-Fletcher region of Western North Carolina. By evening, St. Nicholas Church in Fletcher had lost power and internet, yet a few parishioners braved the storm to attend the festal All-Night Vigil.

On October 6, the 15th Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church celebrates the Conception of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

The Parish School at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY has begun its new school year. On Saturday, September 28, school director and parish rector Archpriest Elias Gorsky, director of studies and parish cleric Priest Andrew Podymow

On September 29, the 14th Sunday after Pentecost, that after the Exaltation, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City during the ongoing feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord.

On the week of the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross ‒ the patronal feast of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV ‒ Archimandrite Seraphim (Voepel) and the brotherhood received an archpastoral visit by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen).

On Thursday, September 26, the southeastern United States was impacted by Hurricane Helene, which left extensive damage in its path, as well as numerous fatalities and injuries.

On Thursday the 26th and Friday the 27th of September, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the divine services for the great feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Some of the twelve great feasts of the Church come in pairs. Nativity  is followed by Theophany; Ascension is followed by Pentecost; Transfiguration by Dormition. So also is the case with the feasts of the Nativity of the Theotokos and the Exaltation of the Cross.

On Sunday, September 22, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, performed an archpastoral visit to the Church of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY, and celebrated Divine Liturgy there

The new academic year has begun at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY. After a few days of orientation for new students and the traditional Labor Day pilgrimage to the monastery, the annual convocation was held on Tuesday, September 3, in Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov Hall.

On Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th of September, the feast of the glorification of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg (1978), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, performed an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Methuen, MA.

On Wednesday the 11th and Thursday the 12th of September, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Friday the 20th and Saturday the 21st of September, the great feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY, and officiated the divine services there on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of September, the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC marked a wonderful milestone in the life of their parish: the 75th anniversary of its founding. On September 11, 1949, on the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner, the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai celebrated Divine Liturgy for the first time in the newly established Washington community.

On September 15, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, concelebrated by Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada

On Saturday, September 14, the beginning of the Ecclesiastical New Year and feast of the Synaxis of the Saints of Diveevo, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY to officiate the 75th anniversary of the convent’s founding by the ever-memorable Archbishop Andrei (Rymarenko; +1978).

On Wednesday the 11th and Thursday the 12th of September, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, paid archpastoral visits to St. Innocent of Alaska Mission in Bucksport, ME and St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Richmond, ME.

On Tuesday, September 10, members of ROCOR’s Haitian Mission joyfully celebrated the patronal feast of the Parish of St. Moses the Black (Paroisee Saint Moise le Noir) in Fontamara.

Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, Ph.D., Professor of Russian Church History and Canon Law at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY and the founder of ROCOR Studies, shares his analytical reflections on an event of the day.

The visitation to our little parish, Holy Apostles in Beltsville, MD, of the Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God, on the night of Monday, September 9, shone forth as a blessed, radiant, festal night. The light from our most pure Mother’s visit combined the radiance of Pascha with that of the Nativity of our Lord.

It has been the tradition of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to take advantage of the long Labor Day weekend for the spiritual benefit of the faithful, by holding the popular celebration of the memory of Venerable Job of Pochaev together with the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God.

On Sunday, September 1, the feast of Holy Martyr Andrew Stratelates, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of its patronal feast.

On September 1, the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, a joyous series of events took place in the Church of the Nativity of Christ and St. Nicholas in Florence, Italy. The hierarchical services that weekend were officiated by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York

The feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated very solemnly in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. In recent years, the Burial of the Mother of God has been added to the monastery typicon.

On Tuesday the 27th and Wednesday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiate the divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence at Divine Liturgy were cathedral clerics: dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky.

The Dormition is one of the most beloved and significant feasts of the Orthodox Church. The three great Lavras in Ukraine – Kiev Caves, Pochaev, and Svyatogorsk ‒ are dedicated to the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. Likewise, more churches and monasteries in Rus’ were dedicated to this event than to any other. In the Florida Gethsemane – the Church of our Lady of Pochaev in North Port ‒ the great feast of the Dormition is celebrated with special trepidation and solemnity.

On Sunday, August 25, on the threshold of the feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, where he performed several monastic tonsures.

On Sunday, August 25, with the blessing of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada visited Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. There, he presided over the Rite of Consecration of Antimensia, co-served by monastery abbot Bishop Luke of Syracuse.

On August 25, the 9th Sunday after Pentecost and the Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, 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: dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky.

On Sunday the 18th and Monday the 19th of August, on the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Bishop Luke of Syracuse, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, officiated the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy in in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. His Grace was co-served by monastery clergy.

On Friday, August 16, clergy of the Eastern American Diocese gathered to serve the funeral of Archpriest Seraphim Stephens (former rector of St. Joseph of Optina Church in Virginia Beach, VA), who reposed on Friday, August 9. With the blessing of His Eminence Alexander, Archbishop of Dallas & the South of the OCA, the funeral was held in Holy Dormition Church in Norfolk, VA.

Attached to this appeal by my unworthiness to the Fullness of the Russian Church Abroad is a video about the history and significance of the Synodal Residence in New York City, which is the House of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign,” the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora. Please familiarize yourselves with this short film, prepared by the Diocese of Germany, about the building that houses our spiritual and administrative center, and provide us with all possible assistance in the major renovation of the Synodal Residence.

On Sunday the 18th and Monday the 19th of August, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the divine services for the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Sunday the 18th and Monday the 19th of August, the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), officiated the divine services in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

From July 28 to August 9, clergy, counselors, and young campers attending St. Seraphim Camp concluded its 32nd year in picturesque Blakeslee, PA.

On Thursday the 8th and Friday the 9th of August, Archimandrite Seraphim (Voepel) and the brethren of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV joyfully received the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, for celebrations in honor of the monastery’s Heavenly intercessor and protector ‒ the Holy Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon.

On Saturday, August 10, the popular celebration of the Holy Great-Martyr Panteleimon was held at St. Panteleimon Chapel in Kittatinny, NJ, the sister-church of the St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY. The celebrations were timed to coincide with the chapel’s patronal feast, which took place on Friday, August 9.

On August 11, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church likewise commemorates the Nativity of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Thursday the 8th and Friday the 9th of August, the clergy and parishioners of St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, celebrated their patronal feast. His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, came to Hartford to officiate the festal divine services.

On August 5, the Orthodox Church honors the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. It was in honor of the Pochaev Icon that, with the blessing of the ever-memorable Metropolitan, the community in North Port in West Florida was established.

On Friday, August 9, following a lengthy illness, Archpriest Seraphim Stephens, retired cleric and former rector of St. Joseph of Optina Church in Virginia Beach, VA, reposed in the Lord. He was 83 years old.

On Sunday, July 14, the 34th annual summer session of the Synodal School of Liturgical Music (SSLM) began with a moleben in St. Seraphim Cathedral at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY

On Tuesday, August 1, the feast of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, despite its being a workday, a large number of the faithful gathered at St. Seraphim Church in Sea Cliff, NY, the Memorial Church to the Reestablishment of Unity within the Russian Orthodox Church. The festal service was distinguished by its extraordinary splendor and profundity.

On Wednesday, July 31, and Thursday, August 1, the feast of the Finding of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, in connection with the patronal feast of the convent’s main church.

On Sunday, July 28, the feast of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, the annual St. Vladimir’s Day Celebrations were held in Jackson, NJ. A multitude of diocesan clergy, guests, and faithful from several states gathered for the feast.

On Sunday, June 28, the feast of Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, the clergy and parishioners of the eponymous church in Miami, FL celebrated their patronal feast day.

Two years ago, with the blessing of Bishop (now Metropolitan) Nicholas, St. Clement of Rome Mission was established under the spiritual direction of Archimandrite John (Townsend; rector of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA) to serve the spiritual needs of the Orthodox faithful in Rome, GA, and the surrounding communities.

On Tuesday the 23rd and Wednesday the 24th of July, Bishop Luke of Syracuse visited Our Lady "Quick to Hear" Convent in Richfield Springs, NY, where he officiated the solemn divine services on the feast of Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Princess Olga.

On June 9, the 6th Sunday of Pascha ‒ that of the Blind Man ‒ Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY held commencement exercises at the conclusion of its 76th academic year. The day began with a hierarchal Divine Liturgy concelebrated by His Eminence Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal & Canada, and His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and rector of the seminary.

On July 21, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of the Appearance of the Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos in Kazan, His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Seattle, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Every year, St. George Pathfinders of America’s New York-based "Tsarskoe Selo" Chapter holds a summer camp for boy and girl scouts of Russian heritage in the Adirondack Mountains of Upstate New York. The organization is a direct successor to the original Russian scouting movement founded under Tsar-Martyr Nicholas II in 1909

On Saturday, July 13, Holy Apostles Church in Beltsville, MD, celebrated the 23rd anniversary of the founding of the parish on its patronal feast day ‒ the Synaxis of the Twelve Apostles.

On Thursday, July 18, the feast of the Holy Venerable Martyr Elizabeth Feodorovna, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Rocky Hill, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On July 14, the third Sunday after Pentecost, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy at All Russian Saints Church at the diocesan administration and residence of His Eminence George, Archbishop of Sydney, Australia & New Zealand.

On Tuesday the 16th and Wednesday the 17th of July, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Tikhvin Church in Howell, NJ, and officiated the divine services on the feast of the Holy Martyrs Emperor Nicholas II, Empress Alexandra, Crown Prince Alexis, Grand Duchesses Olga, Tatiana, Maria, and Anastasia, and the Passion-bearer Eugene the Physician.

On Tuesday evening, July 9, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, traveling with the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign," arrived in Sydney, Australia. Greeted at the airport by Bishop George of Sydney, Australia & New Zealand

On Monday the 8th and Tuesday the 9th of July, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Seattle, paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Tikhvin Church in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the church’s patronal feast day.

On Thursday the 11th and Friday the 12th of July, the feast of the Holy Preeminent Apostles Peter & Paul, His Grace Theodosius, Bishop of Seattle, paid an archpastoral visit to the Orthodox Youth Camp of the Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia in the Catskill Mountains, Woodbourne, NY.

On Wednesday, July 12, the feast day of the Holy Supreme Leaders of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, co-served by monastery clergy.

On Monday, July 8, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), arrived at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, to celebrate Divine Liturgy and officiate the funeral of Archpriest George Larin, pastor emeritus of that parish and one-time diocesan secretary, who reposed in the Lord on July 5.

On Sunday, July 7, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On July 7, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost and feast of the Nativity of the Holy Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, with the blessing of Metropolitan Ncholas of Eastern America & New York, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, First Vicar of the Western American Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Tuesday, July 2, the feast day of the repose of the Holy Hierarch John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco, the Wonderworker, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, accompanied by the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, departed for New Zealand. This marks the beginning of His Eminence’s primatial visit to the parishes of ROCOR’s Diocese of Australia & New Zealand.

The Holy Spirit illuminates with His strength all the missionary work of the True Faith; and the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco is one of its greatest saints. The 20th century never ceases to surprise us. The grace we receive from our God is so great that we also see it present in our parish missions.

On Friday, July 5, the 9th Friday after Holy Pascha and feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God of the Sign, Archpriest George Larin reposed in the Lord. He was 89 years old.

On Tuesday, June 25, the 14th All-Diaspora Russian Orthodox Youth Conference began its work in the suburbs of Stuttgart, Germany. In attendance were 130 young men and women from different continents: a third of the participants were from the host country of Germany, with large delegations from the U.S. and Australia, which are always active in youth events, as well as young people from Canada, Austria, and others ‒ a total of 11 countries.

On Friday, June 28, All-Night vigil was served in the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA, on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the Holy Hierarch John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco, the Wonderworker. Before the service, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" was greeted at the entrance to the temple.

On Sunday, June 23, the great feast of Pentecost was celebrated in Holy Trinity Monastery in the traditional way, with three days of solemn services. The day before, Pentecost Soul Saturday, Divine Liturgy was celebrated, upon conclusion of which a general panihida was served by the monastery abbot ‒ His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, together with the monastery clergy.

On Sunday, June 23, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ, where he celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Sunday, June 23, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY, where he celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy, followed by Great Vespers with the kneeling prayers.

On June 15-16, the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, the mission of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr in Cullman, AL celebrated its first All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy with their new rector, Priest Theodore Foley.

On Sunday, June 23, the great feast of Holy Pentecost took place. This feast is the birthday of the Church, because the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, and thus they were vested with "power from on high," the grace of the Holy Spirit for the creation of Christ’s Church throughout the world.

On Sunday, June 16, a delegation from the Russian Church Abroad, headed by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, took part in Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia. On Monday, June 17, having bidden farewell to Bishops Vasilije of Srem and Irinej of Bačka, they departed first to Žiča and then to Studenica.

On June 12, on the feast of the Leavetaking of Holy Pascha and on the eve of the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, a second cupola was installed on the main St. Seraphim of Sarov Cathedral of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY. Before raising the dome to the roof of the temple, the dome was blessed by the convent clergy.

On Saturday, June 15, members of the Synodal delegation of the Russian Church Abroad, headed by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, prayed at Divine Liturgy in the home church of the Patriarchal Palace in Sremski Karlovci, Serbia, where His Beatitude Anthony (Khrapovitsky), Metropolitan of Kiev & Galicia, the first First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, once loved to pray.

On June 15-16, the afterfeast of the Ascension of our Lord and the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Sts. Theodore Church in Buffalo, NY, where he officiated the celebrations in honor of one of the parish’s patron saints ‒ the Great Martyr Theodore Stratelates ‒ and the translation of his relics.

On Friday, June 14, a joint session of the synods of the Serbian Church and the Russian Church Abroad was held in Sremski Karlovci under the chairmanship of His Holiness Porfirije, Patriarch of Serbia. The solemn meeting was attended by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, and the Right Reverend members of the Holy Synods of Bishops of both Churches.

On Thursday, June 13, the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, a delegation of the Russian Church Abroad, headed by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America, participated in the Patriarchal divine services at the Church of the Ascension in Belgrade, Serbia.

Forty days after Pascha, the Feast of feasts, the Church celebrates one of the twelve great feasts of the Church: the Ascension of our Lord Jesus Christ into Heaven. Herein we celebrate that the Lord Jesus Christ took on our human nature, which He divinized and took to Heaven to sit at the right hand of His Father.

On Wednesday, June 12, the Leavetaking of Holy Pascha, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Church, constructed by Russian émigrés in Belgrade 100 years ago.

Early on Tuesday morning, June 11, 2024, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived in Belgrade, accompanying the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign."

On June 9, the 6th Sunday after Holy Pascha, that of the Blind Man, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday, May 17, The Women’s Ensemble performed its debut concert in Holy Presentation of Christ Church in Stratford, CT. The concert was held as a fundraiser for ROCOR’s Ecclesiastical Mission in the Holy Land benefitting the monastics and clergy living and serving there.

On June 2, the Fifth Sunday after Pascha, that of the Samaritan Woman, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On June 2, the Fifth Sunday after Pascha, that of the Samaritan Woman, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, performed an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL

On May 26, the Sunday of the Paralytic, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

With the blessing of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, the parishioners of Holy Trinity Church in Mebane, NC have embarked on a new missionary effort to spread the Gospel of Christ in North Carolina’s Research Triangle.

On May 26, the Sunday of the Paralytic, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. His Grace’s visit was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast – May 9/22, the summer feast day of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia.

On Wednesday, May 22, the Feast of the Translation of the Relics of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Endicott, NY to celebrate Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

Saturday, May 25, marked the sixth anniversary of the blessed repose of Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, longtime rector of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ. Parish and local clergy gathered to honor the feast and pray for the eminent cleric’s soul.

On May 26, the Sunday of the Paralytic, Archpriest James Dougherty reposed in the Lord. He was 67 years old.

On May 19, the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of the Entrance into the Temple of the Holy Virgin in Jamesville (near Syracuse), NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On May 19, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Mount Crawford, VA, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Saturday, May 18, the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice," Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous stavropegial metochion church in Brooklyn, NY, in honor of its patronal feast day.

On May 19, the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Brooklyn, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On May 19, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. The visit to the Nyack parish on this weekend has become an annual tradition for the retired diocesan vicar.

On May 12, the 2nd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Apostle Thomas, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Seraphim Cathedral of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

On Wednesday, May 15, Holy Apostles Church in Beltsville, MD, hosted a screening of the award-winning documentary "Sacred Alaska." The screening was held in the historic Greenbelt Cinema, a small local theater near the church, in the historic town of Greenbelt. 97 tickets were sold. The purpose of the screening was missionary, following in the footsteps of our Venerable Father Herman of Alaska.

On Thursday, May 16, the second anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral; +2022), sixth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, served a panihida after Divine Liturgy in St. Sergius of Radonezh Chapel at the Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

May 3/16 is the feast day of Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Caves – the founder of cœnobitic monasticism in Rus’. This year marks the 950th anniversary of the blessed repose of the great abbot and founder of the future Kiev Caves Lavra.

On Bright Saturday, May 11, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, where he celebrated the Paschal Divine Liturgy. At the entrance to the Memorial Church dedicated to the Millennium of the Baptism of Rus’, the First Hierarch was greeted by its deputy rector, Archpriest Serge Ledkovsky.

The Diocesan Media Office will publish photo-reports of Holy Week & the Feast of feasts – the Lord’s Pascha in the parishes and monasteries of the Eastern American Diocese on the diocesan website. 

This year, with the blessing of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, a new mission dedicated to St. Peter the Aleut was opened in White Pine, TN, under the spiritual direction of the clergy of St. Tikhon Church in Blountville, TN. Services are conducted in a temporary location while a more suitable site is procured.

On Bright Tuesday, May 7, the third day of Christ’s Glorious Resurrection, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. George Church in Howell, NJ. The visit of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast 

On Bright Monday, May 6, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday the 4th and Sunday the 5th of May, the radiant feast of Pascha ‒ the Resurrection from the dead of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ ‒ Bishop Jerome (Shaw) officiated the divine services in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On Sunday, May 5, the clergy and a multitude of parishioners and guests of the main cathedral of the Russian Church Abroad – the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City – celebrated the greatest Christian feast ‒ Christ’s Glorious Resurrection.

On Sunday, May 5, the entirety of the Orthodox Church celebrated the Feast of feasts and the Festival of festivals – Christ’s Glorious Resurrection. The Pascha of the Lord is the Feast of the triumph of Life over death, God’s Love over evil and emptiness, of Truth over falsehood.

With joy and thankfulness in my heart, I greet you on this salvific night of Pascha, when our Lord Jesus Christ rose on the third day, pouring out His unfailing love and mercy on the whole world.

On today’s "feast of feasts and Festival of festivals," which, as the Holy Hierarch Gregory the Theologian proclaims, "is far exalted above all others – not only those which are merely human and are of the earth, but even those which are of Christ himself, and are celebrated in His honor

On Great Wednesday, May 1, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the final Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts for this year in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On April 28, the great feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Bishop Jerome (Shaw) celebrated Divine Liturgy in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On Sunday, April 28, the great feast of the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, and officiated the All Night Vigil on the eve of the feast ‒ Saturday, April 27,.

On Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of April, the great feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, officiated the festal divine services in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of April, the feast of the Laudation of the Most Holy Theotokos and the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA, where he officiated the divine services on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

April turned out to be a month full of wonderful events in the life of St. John the Baptist parish in Washington, DC. First, the capital community was visited by the Sitka Icon of the Mother of God, brought by His Grace Alexei, Bishop of Sitka & Alaska.

The end of March and the beginning of April turned out to be a period filled with a number of joyful events in the spiritual life of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC.

For Release: At the February 21/March 5, 2024, session of the Synod of Bishops, which was held at the Synodal Headquarters in New York City, a resolution was heard from the Spiritual Court of the Eastern American Diocese regarding the activities of Abbot Tikhon (Gayfudinov), Archpriest Andrei Pastukh, Archpriest Edward Chervinsky, and Protodeacon Vladimir Oliynyk, who wrought disturbance in the church life of several diocesan parishes.

On Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of April, with the blessing of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Western American Diocesan vicar Bishop Theodosius of Seattle paid an archpastoral visit to St. Saint Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL

On Monday afternoon, April 15, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to officiate the funeral of newly departed Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk, who reposed in the Lord the Thursday prior.

On Friday, April 12, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady "Unexpected Joy" Church in Staten Island, NY, where he performed the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

On Wednesday evening, April 10, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed the Sacrament of Holy Unction in Nativity of the Theotokos Church in Albany, NY.

On Saturday, April 6, on the eve of the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY

On Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of April, divine services were held in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY for the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, as well as for the Lenten Sunday of the Cross. 

On the morning of Thursday, April 11, Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk (longtime cleric of St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY; since 2021 – of Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA) reposed in the Lord. He was 81 years old.

On Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of April, the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, that of the Veneration of the Cross, and when the Holy Church also celebrates the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos this year, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services.

On Friday, April 5, at St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, a panihida was served for Matushka Tamara Kizenko, who reposed the Wednesday prior.

On Saturday, March 30, the Sitka Icon of the Mother of God visited the American capital. The wonderworking icon remains on a permanent basis in St. Michael Diocesan Cathedral in Sitka, Alaska, and is one of the more venerated icons of the Mother of God in North America.

On Saturday, March 30, with full Lenten sense of the mercy of God and the recognization of our own human limitation, the local faithful of Misión San Juan de Shanghai y San Francisco in Matagalpa, Nicaragua,

On Wednesday, April 10, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the northern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Tuesday, April 9, priests and deacons of the northern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese gathered in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY for the start of the Great Lenten Pastoral Retreat.

On April 7, the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, that of the Veneration of the Cross, and when the Holy Church also celebrates the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos this year, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday, April 5, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, where he celebrated the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts at the convent’s St. Seraphim Cathedral.

On Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of April, the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, that of the Veneration of the Cross, coincided with the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. In every church, the "Fountainhead of our salvation" was celebrated, and the faithful worshipped the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord.

On Wednesday, April 3, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts in St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA.

On Wednesday, April 3, Matushka Tamara Kizenko, wife of the ever-memorable Archpriest Boris Kizenko (long-time cleric of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ; +2010), reposed in the Lord. She was 89 years old.

On Tuesday, April 2, clergymen of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese flocked to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA for the start of the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

On Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st of March, the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY, where he officiated the divine services.

In the second week of Lent, from March 29-31, a retreat for the laity was held at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY. The purpose of the retreat was to give people the opportunity to pray at all of the divine services, to prepare for the Sacraments of Confession and Communion, and to participate in lectures, roundtable discussions, and spiritual conversations.

On March 24, the first Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated the Triumph of Orthodoxy, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY, where he officiated the divine services.

On March 24, the first Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Having learned of the horrible attack on the peaceful citizens of Moscow, I hasten to express my deepest condolences to Your Holiness, and through you to the archpastors, clergy, and flock of the Russian Orthodox Church and the entire Russian people.

On March 20, Wednesday of the First Week of Great Lent, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, prayed at the appointed divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, and then celebrated the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts.

On March 17, Cheesefare Sunday (also called Forgiveness Sunday, the Commemoration of Adam’s expulsion from Paradise), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On March 17, Cheesefare Sunday (also called Forgiveness Sunday, the Commemoration of Adam’s expulsion from Paradise), Bishop Jerome (Shaw) celebrated Divine Liturgy in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On Saturday, March 16, the 16th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla; 2008) of blessed memory, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On March 13-14,  Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited the Church of the Icon of the "Reigning" Mother of God in Charlotte, NC, and led the divine services in honor of the parish's patronal feast. In accordance with the Typicon, Divine Liturgy is not served on Wednesday or Friday of Cheesefare, so the feast (usually March 2/15) was transferred to the day prior.

Great Lent is approaching – a time set aside for delving into ourselves, for examining our lives, for repentance and correction. Great Lent is not only a time to refrain from certain types of food; it is a time for asceticism of the mind and senses, when we abstain from impure thoughts, separate ourselves from our habitual sins, entertainments, and harmful routines

The Diocese of Sitka & Alaska (OCA) held its annual clergy retreat in Anchorage from Friday the 8th through Sunday the 10th of March, hosted by His Grace Alexei, Bishop of Sitka & Alaska. As a special guest, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY led the retreat

On Friday evening, March 8, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived in Costa Rica to officiate the 30th anniversary celebrations of the establishment of Our Lady of Vladimir Church in Coronado, not far from the capital, San José.

Online registration for the 2024 Lenten Retreat for clergy of the Eastern American Diocese has opened on the diocesan website. 

On March 3, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday evening, March 1, a benevolent concert entitled "…and Peace on Earth ‒ Sacred Works: Prayers for Peace" was held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. The concert’s primary objective was to raise funds for relief organizations providing aid to those suffering from war in Ukraine and the Holy Land – especially ROCOR’s Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.

On February 25, the Sunday of the Publican n& the Pharisee, and the date when the Church honors the memory of the Holy Hierarch Alexis of Moscow, Wonderworker of All Russia, Metropolitan Nicholas o Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

From Thursday the 15th through Monday the 19th of February, seeking spiritual guidance from the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, a group of 17 youth and chaperones from St. George parish in Cincinnati, OH made a pilgrimage to the icon’s home in her cathedral at the Synod of Bishops in New York City.

On February 18, the 37th Sunday after Pentecost and afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday, February 16, the feast of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated his namesday. The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad officiated the All-Night Vigil the evening prior and celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Thursday, February 15, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT, celebrated its patronal feast day. That day, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived to share in the joy of the feast and to celebrate Divine Liturgy.

His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, congratulated Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, in his namesday.

On Monday, February 12, the Orthodox Church celebrates the feast of the Synaxis of the Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom. These three great hierarchs and luminaries of the Church are considered patrons of every Orthodox seminary, and therefore this feast is recognized as the patronal feast of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary.

On Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of February, while on an archpastoral visit to the Florida Deanery, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL and officiated the divine services there.

On Wednesday, February 7, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Paideia Classical Academy in Coconut Creek, FL. Paideia Classical Academy is an Orthodox Classical School serving pre-school through 12th grade, established in 2012.

On Saturday, February 3, the feast day of Our Lady "Comfort and Consolation," Metropolitan Nichoas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the American-Russian Aid Association "Otrada" in Chestnut Ridge, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the local chapel’s patronal feast.

On Monday the 5th and Tuesday the 6th of February, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Palm Coast, FL.

On Sunday, February 4, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Synaxis of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia, at the request of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Brooklyn, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of its patronal feast day.

On Sunday, February 4, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Synaxis of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the patronal feast day of the eponymous church in Norwich, CT.

On Tuesday, January 30, Archimandrite Maximos (Weimar) retired as abbot of the Monastery of St. Dionysios the Areopagite in St. James, NY. Per an agreement with the brotherhood, he assumed the role of abbot emeritus.

On Monday, January 29, His Beatitude Tikhon, Metropolitan of All America & Canada, Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, visited the Synodal Residence of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in New York City.

The days following the radiant feasts of Christ’s Nativity, the New Year, and the Theophany of the Lord marked a significant event in the life of St. Alexander Nevsky Parish in Howell, NJ.

On Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of January, the Sunday after Theophany, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA, where he officiated the divine services.

On January 21, the 33rd Sunday after Pentecost, that after Theophany, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th of January, the brethren of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY celebrated the great feast of the Theophany of the Lord. Officiating the divine services was the monastery’s abbot, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse.

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 Sunday, January 14, the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord, the parish school of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY held its annual Nativity Yolka.

On Monday, January 15, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the convent’s main St. Seraphim Cathedral.

On Tuesday, January 9, Priest Emmanuel Hatzidakis (diocesan cleric) reposed in the Lord in Chania, Crete, Greece. He was 82 years old.

On Sunday, January 14, when the Church commemorates the Circumcision of the Lord and honors the Holy Hierarch Basil the Great, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

The great feast of Christ’s Nativity is celebrated with great solemnity in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Sunday, January 7, the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the feast.

The Diocesan Media Office has begun publishing photo-reports of the Nativity of our Lord in parishes and monasteries of the Eastern American Diocese on the diocesan website. 

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

On January 7 (December 25 o.s.), the Orthodox world celebrates the great feast of the Nativity of Christ. The greatness and importance of this feast is attested to by the preparatory 40-day Nativity Fast. Every person, family, and church celebrates this remarkable and important feast in his own way, and the Church of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port, FL was no exception.

It is with feelings of humble gratitude, love, and joy in the Lord that I greet everyone on this great and most joyous celebration of the Nativity of Christ ‒ the arrival on earth of the incarnate Son of God born to the Most Blessed Virgin Mary.

The unutterable love of God has gathered us today so that in the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Eph. 4:3) we may celebrate one of the most solemn ‒ and at the same time mysterious ‒ feasts of the Church: the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On December 31, the 30th Sunday after Pentecost and before Nativity, that of the Holy Fathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, December 30, funeral services for Hieromonk Alexander (Lisnichuk) were held at St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA. Fr. Alexander reposed on Thursday, December 28, after a battle with brain cancer and postoperative infection. A panihida was served on Friday evening.

As the 2023 year departs, the Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese would like to share some of the year’s top stories with our readers. Below you will find articles on the principal and defining events in the life of the Diocese over the last year.

On Thursday, December 28, after a serious illness, Hieromonk Alexander (Lisnichuk), cleric of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA reposed in the Lord. He was 60 years old.

Having celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 24 in Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY, the attendees of the 44th annual St. Herman Youth Conference continued their work.

On December 24, the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY. Having officiated at the All-Night Vigil the evening prior, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was greeted at the doors of the church with the traditional bread and salt.

On Friday, December 22, the clergy and parishioners of Our Lady "Unexpected Joy" Church in Staten Island, NY celebrated their parish’s patronal feast day.

On Friday evening, December 22, young people from across the Eastern American & Canadian Dioceses began arriving for the 44th annual St. Herman Youth Conference, held this year at Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY

On Monday the 18th and Tuesday the 19th of December, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, visited St. Nicholas Diocesan Cathedral in Montreal, QC, Canada, on the occasion of the cathedral’s patronal feast day

On Tuesday, December 19, the feast of Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Enfield, CT, where he officiated the divine services on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Tuesday, December 19, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Stratford, CT, where he officiated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

On December 6//19, the Orthodox Church prayerfully commemorates the feast of one of the greatest saints – the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker. This feast was especially lovingly celebrated in Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On December 17, the 28th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Great-Martyr Barbara and Venerable John Damascene, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On December 16-17, the 28th Sunday after Pentecost, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services.

On Wednesday, December 13, the parish of St. Andrew Patriarchal Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA celebrated its patronal feast day.

On Sunday, December 3, the eve of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos, the All-Night Vigil was served in Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of one of the most remarkable and ancient icons of Orthodox Russia – the Kursk Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" – abiding in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, which was specially designed and named in its honor.

On Friday, December 1, the Eastern American Diocesan Council held its quarterly meeting in a remote, online format. His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York opened the meeting and, after a prayer, welcomed the Council members.

From the editor: Having completed their work, the Synod of Bishops adopted the text presented below of an epistle to the clergy, monastics, and flock, read aloud before Holy Communion at Divine Liturgy on Sunday, December 10, the patronal feast day of the Cathedral of the Sign at Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

On Sunday, December 10, the feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" was prayerfully celebrated in Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL. The Kursk Icon is a specially venerated icon for the entirety of the Orthodox Diaspora. Many generations of Orthodox Christians, as well as luminaries of Orthodoxy, such as Venerable Seraphim of Sarov and the Optina Elders, have prayed before this icon.

On Friday, 8 December, after Divine Liturgy on the Leavetaking of the feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, a session of the Synod of Bishops commenced at the Synodal Residence of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad in New York City.

On Sunday, December 3 – the eve of the great feast of the Entry into the Temple of the Most Holy Theotokos – Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of the Entrance into the Temple of the Holy Virgin (St. Mary’s) in Jamesville-Syracuse, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s upcoming patronal feast day.

Just as the Nativity Fast begins, the great feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple comes upon us. What is even more joyful is that, starting with the canon at Matins during the All-Night Vigil, we begin to hear Nativity hymns: in this case, the irmoi of the canon of the Nativity, which from now until the feast will be sung during festal services. In this way, the Church begins to prepare us for this radiant feast.

On December 3, the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, on the eve of the great feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, officiated the festal divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Tuesday, November 21, the feast of the Holy Archangel Michael and all of the Heavenly Bodiless Hosts was celebrated at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and monastery abbot, officiated the divine services: the All-Night Vigil on the eve of the feast, and Divine Liturgy together with the monastery clergy the following morning.

From Wednesday the 22nd to Saturday the 25th of November, the annual pastoral convocation of the clergy of the Diocese of Great Britain & Western Europe took place in the Church of the Nativity of Christ & St. Nicholas in Florence, Italy.

On Tuesday, November 21, the feast of the Holy Archangel of God Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Hosts, the clergy and parishioners of St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ, celebrated their patronal feast day. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the occasion.

On November 19, the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nektarios Church in Lenoir City, TN. This visit was timed for the weekend preceding the parish’s patronal feast, which took place on Wednesday, November 22.

On Friday the 17th and Saturday the 18th of November, St. Tikhon Church in Blountville, TN jubilantly celebrated its patronal feast day ‒ kept annually on the anniversary of St. Tikhon’s election as Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia in 1917. This year, the celebrations were officiated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of October, the 25th annual pilgrimage of the parishioners of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY took place in a spirit of thankful prayer to God.

On Friday evening, November 10, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Norwich, CT, accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On November 12, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Sunday the 5th and Monday the 6th of November, the feast of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow," Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Cumming (Atlanta), GA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the patronal feast of the city’s eponymous parish.

On Sunday, November 5, the feast of the Holy Apostle James, Brother of the Lord, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. James in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On November 5, the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On November 5, the 22nd Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of the Holy Apostle James, Brother of the Lord, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw) paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. James in honor of the saint’s feast day.

The 30th North American Church Music Conference was very productive and a great success, uniting church choir directors, singers, and readers. Approximately 60 people gathered in the Ottawa, ON suburb of Kanata.

On Saturday, November 4, the feast of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ, where he officiated its patronal feast day.

On Friday, November 3, the feast of Venerable Hilarion, Schemamonk of the Kiev Caves, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to honor the namesday of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral; +2022), sixth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Tuesday, October 31, and Wednesday, November 1, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to the St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC. To the joy of the faithful, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On October 29, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion who stood at the Cross of our Lord, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday the 23rd and Tuesday the 24th of October, St. Joseph of Optina parish in Virginia Beach, VA experienced a miraculous event – a visit from the myrrh-streaming "Hawaiian" Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.

On October 22, the Sunday the Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Fathers Church in New York City, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Friday, October 6, Holy Trinity Publications hosted an event at a private club in Washington, DC to celebrate the release of Foundations of Russian Culture by Protopresbyter Alexander Schmemann. This is the first work of Fr. Alexander Schmemann’s to be released by Holy Trinity Publications.

In the city of North Port, FL, an important and spiritual significant event took place in the Church of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God – an event that will long be remembered by the faithful. Wednesday, October 18, was the day when the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Icon of the Mother of God visited the community. This event united parishioners and granted them an opportunity greet the holy image with piety and prayer.

On Saturday, October 21, the feast of Venerable Pelagia the Penitent, at the invitation of His Grace Matthew, Bishop of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Three Hierarchs Church in Garfield, NJ on the occasion of the 125th anniversary of parish’s founding in 1898.

The Brotherhood of St. Dionysios in St. James, NY celebrated their patronal feast day on Monday, October 16th, with a visit from His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad brought with him the icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" to the joy and blessing of the brotherhood and parishioners.

From Friday the 13th through Sunday the 15th of October, Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY celebrated its patronal feast, blessed by the presence of His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, and His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), along with a host of visiting clergy and pilgrims taking advantage of this year’s weekend celebrations.

On October 15, the 19th Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church honors the memory of Sts. Cyprian and Justina, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, October 7, St. Thecla Church in Wheaton, MD celebrated its fifth patronal feast day. With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), arrived to celebrate Divine Liturgy.

In the last days of the 30th Church Musicians' Conference in Ottawa, Canada, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday, October 8, the feast of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, and on the eve prior officiated All-Night Vigil in the Church of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg in Kanata, ON.

On Sunday, October 8, the feast of the repose of Venerable Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh & Wonderworker of All Russia, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, in honor of the patronal feast of St. Sergius Church at the Synodal Headquarters.

On October 1, the Sunday after the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Church of All Saints of the Russian Land in Burlingame, CA, the former summer residence of His Beatitude, the ever-memorable Metropolitan Anastassy (Gribanovsky; +1965).

St. John the Wonderworker Parish is building a new church in Winfield, PA, with groundbreaking being celebrated this week. Excavating and laying the foundation are scheduled to be done by Thanksgiving, with the building to be up and enclosed by early 2024 and hopefully occupancy by summer, according to church officers.

On Saturday, September 30, the feast of the Holy Martyrs Faith, Hope, Charity and their mother Sophia, a celebration of the 30th anniversary of the uncovering of the relics of the Holy Hierarch John, Archbishop of Shanghai & San Francisco the Wonderworker, took place in the Diocesan Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, CA.

On Thursday, September 21, the day of the great feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, arrived at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY from the Synod to celebrate the parish’s patronal feast, greeted by the peal of bells.

On Tuesday the 26th and Wednesday the 27th of September, divine services were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City for the great feast of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord. Officiating the All-Night Vigil with the Rite of the Exaltation of the Cross was Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

One of the great feasts of the Church is the Exaltation of the Live-Giving Cross of the Lord. The Cross is the main symbol of our salvation. Upon it our Savior was crucified and died for our sins.

On Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th of September, the afterfeast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos and the feast of the Glorification of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg (1978), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Xenia Church in Methuen, MA on the occasion of their patronal feast. The parish just completed an extensive addition & renovation project, so it was a doubly blessed visit.

On Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th of September, Holy Trinity Church in Mebane, NC hosted two most instructive lectures by Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, professor of Church History & Canon Law at Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY. Fr. Andrei is also the publisher of ROCOR Studies, a website dedicated to objective study and research of the history of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Sunday, September 24, the afterfeast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Albany, NY on the occasion of their recent patronal feast.

Having served Divine Liturgy today in the Synodal St. Sergius Chapel and beginning to attend to various matters in my office, I was informed of the bomb threat situation at our Holy Trinity Monastery. This caused me grief.

On Thursday, September 28, the Holy Church celebrates the memory of the Venerable Fathers and God-pleasing saints of the Kiev Caves Lavra, reposing in the Near Caves.

The first feast of the Church year is the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos. In his sermon for the feast, His Holiness, Patriarch Kyrill, pointed out that Orthodox Christians begin the Church year with the blessing of the Mother of God and finish the Church year with her blessing as well, celebrating the feast of Her Dormition.

From September 9th through the 11th, St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC hosted celebrations in honor of the patronal feast of the American capital’s ROCOR parish.

On Sunday, September 17, the feast of Holy Prophet Moses the God-seer, the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Seminary concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Cathedral in Jordanville, NY.

On Saturday, September 16, the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY continued with an academic theological conference entitled "The Orthodox Christian Seminary in the 21st Century."

On Friday evening, September 15, a concert entitled "Bells, Choirs & Resounding Virtuosity" was held at the Christ Episcopal Church in Cooperstown, NY, beginning the celebrations dedicated to the 75th anniversary of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY.

On Monday the 11th and Tuesday the 12th of September, the clergy and parishioners of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral marked their patronal feast day. This year, the celebrations were officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New Yorк

On Friday, September 8, after several months visiting the parishes and monastery of Western Europe, the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God returned to her Home – the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. The holy icon had visited the Diocese of Germany and neighboring dioceses.

On Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd of September, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Andrew Stratelates Cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL. His Eminence’s visit was timed in connection with the celebration of the parish’s patronal feast on September 1, the 75th anniversary of its founding, and the 30th anniversary of Archpriest Igor Chitikov’s rectorship.

On Sunday, September 10, the Holy Church celebrates the feast of the Uncovering of the Relics of Venerable Job of Pochaev in 1659. Due to the long Labor Day weekend, Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, holds a popular pilgrimage in honor of the beloved saint, one of the monastery’s Heavenly patrons. On the feast itself, however, the monks also serve All-Night Vigil and celebrate hierarchal Divine Liturgy in the lower Church of St. Job.

For decades, it has been the tradition of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to hold a special popular celebration commemorating the Venerable and God-bearing Job of Pochaev, the Heavenly protector of the monastery’s publishing efforts, as well as honoring the wonderworking Pochaev Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, over the long Labor Day Weekend.

On Thursday, August 31, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Martyrs Florus and Laurus. This was the namesday of the much-beloved and ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla; +2008) and Archimandrite Flor (Vanko; +2012).

On Sunday the 27th and Monday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY

The feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated very solemnly in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. In recent years, the Burial of the Mother of God has been added to the monastery typicon.

On Thursday, August 31, the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos and the feast of the Holy Martyrs Florus & Laurus, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Alexander Nevsky Church at the Russian Archæological Excavations in Jerusalem.

On August 27, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On Sunday the 27th and Monday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos was greeted with special solemnity in the Gethsemane of Florida ‒ the Church of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port.

On Saturday, August 26, the leavetaking of the feast of the Transfiguration of our Lord, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, currently visiting the Holy Land on pilgrimage, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Gorny Convent in Ein Karem.

On Saturday, August 19, the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, co-served by monastery clergy.

On Tuesday, August 22, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived in Jerusalem and was greeted at Holy Ascension Convent on the Mount of Olives where, on the afterfeast of the Transfiguration of our Lord and the feast of Holy Apostle Matthias, His Eminence celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On August 20, the 11th Sundy after Pentecost and the afterfeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, August 19, the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On August 19, the Orthodox Church celebrates the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. This feast calls on every Christian to transform his life, to cleanse his soul of sins and passions, and to fill it with the light of repentance and love for God and neighbor.

On August 13, the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, the forefeast of the Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-Creating Cross of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th of August, St. Stephen the Protomartyr Church in Old Forge, PA celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived to officiate the divine services in honor of the parish’s milestone.

On Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th of August, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, officiated the feast day celebrations of the Holy Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, patron saint of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV.

On Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th of August, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, where he officiated the parish’s patronal feast day.

From Sunday the 16th to Saturday the 29th of July, the Synodal School of Liturgical Music (SSLM) held its 32nd annual summer session in the refurbished rooms and halls of the former Old Persons’ Home at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

On Saturday, August 5, the feast of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, the clergy and faithful solemnly celebrated the patronal feast day of Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On Sunday, August 6, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Seraphim Camp in Blakeslee, PA, where he officiated the divine services and spent time interacting with campers.

On Saturday, August 5, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Panteleimon Chapel on Lake Kittatinny in New Jersey. 

On Tuesday, August 1, the feast of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, a large number of believers gathered at St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY, despite it being a weekday. The church was full of adults and young pilgrims

On Sunday, July 30, St. Basil the Great Church in Belle Vernon, PA celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding. With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) arrived to celebrate Divine Liturgy.

On Sunday, July 30, a multitude of diocesan clergy and faithful of the tristate area gathered for the annual celebrations and Divine Liturgy in St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York.

On Friday, July 28, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Sabbas Stavropegial Monastery in Harper Woods, MI.

On Thursday the 27th and Friday the 28th of July, at the invitation of His Eminence Peter, Archbishop of Chicago & Mid-America, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern American & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Church in Ann Arbor, MI, where he officiated the divine services for the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Thursday, July 20, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid a brief visit to the summer camp of the Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia (NORR) in Woodbourne, NY

On Friday, July 28, when the Holy Church celebrates the memory of the baptizer and enlightener of Rus’, the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, the clergy of the New Jersey Deanery celebrated the patronal feast of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ.

On July 23, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost and the date when the Holy Church honors the memory of Venerable Anthony of the Kiev Caves, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday the 17th and Tuesday the 18th of July, the parish of St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC celebrated its patronal feast day. The rector, Archpriest Mark Mancuso, officiated the divine services, co-served by clergy from across the Deanery of the Carolinas & Tennessee

On Saturday, July 22, the feast of Venerable Gabriel, Abbot of St. Elijah Skete on Mount Athos & Wonderworker of Odessa, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY.

From Thursday the 13th through Sunday the 16th of July, the New York "Tsarskoe Selo" Chapter of the St. George Pathfinders of America held its celebrations in honor of its founding on January 20, 1948 by Scoutmaster Andrew V. Ilyinsky.

On Tuesday, July 18, when the Holy Church commemorates the Finding of the Relics of Venerable Sergius, Abbot of Radonezh, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy for the patronal feast of St. Sergius English Mission at the Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

From Friday the 14th to Monday the 17th of July, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the clergy and faithful of the Nativity of Christ Old Rite Community in Erie, PA. His Eminence was accompanied by His Grace John, Bishop of Caracas & South America.

On Thursday, July 13, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the Orthodox Church in America’s historic Holy Trinity Diocesan Cathedral in Chicago, IL.

On Thursday, July 13, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the ORPR Diocesan Youth Camp in Rock City, IL. This was His Eminence’s first visit to a children’s camp since his election as Primate.

On June 29/July 12, the Holy Church commemorates the Holy Preeminent Apostles Peter & Paul. On this day in 2003, Archimandrite Peter (Loukianoff) was ordained Bishop of Cleveland, vicar of the Diocese of Chicago & Detroit (now the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America) at the diocesan cathedral of the Protection of the Mother of God in Des Plaines (Chicago), IL.

On Sunday, June 25, a benevolent concert to benefit those in need and victims of the war in Ukraine was held in the cathedral hall of the Synod of Bishops in New York City. The concert was planned a year ago, at the end of May, and received the blessing of Metropolitan Hilarion of blessed repose.

On Saturday the 8th and Sunday the 9th of July, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Tikhvin Church in Howell, NJ, on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Thursday the 6th and Friday the 7th of July, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of July, the feast day of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Wonderworker Mission in Lewisburg, PA, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the mission’s patronal feast.

On Sunday, June 25, the Apostolic Mission of Christ, under the protection of the Holy Apostles, in Miami, FL, celebrated the 40th anniversary of its founding. His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), paid an archpastoral visit to the parish in honor of the event, and celebrated Divine Liturgy.

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.

Preparations for Sunday, July 2, the feast of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco, mobilized all the parishioners of Paroisse Saint Jean de Shanghai et de San Francisco in Les Cayes, Haiti. The priest, Fr. Pierre Laguerre, held many services throughout the preceding week, and two children and a young adult were baptized the day before the feast.

On Thursday, June, 8 a new skete was officially opened in Coconut Creek, FL. Holy Great Martyr & Healer Panteleimon Skete is a dependency of the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension in Resaca, GA.

On Sunday, July 2, the community of Misión San Juan de Shanghai y San Francisco in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, had the joy of celebrating its patronal feast – the commemoration of the Holy Hierarch John. With a prayerful attitude, the clergy and faithful began the services in preparation for Divine Liturgy, being embellished by the choir of young people.

On Thursday, 29 June, the feast of the Holy Hierach Tychon, Bishop of Amathus, the Holy Martyrs Tygrius the Priest and Eutopius the Reader, Venerable Tychon of Kaluga and Moses of Optina, the Hieromartyr Hermogenes, Bishop of Tobolsk...

On June 25, the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, and the date when the Holy Church also commemorates the Venerable Onuphrius the Great, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On June 18, the Second Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints who have Shone Forth in the Russian Land, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL.

On Saturday the 17th and Sunday the 18th of June, the Sunday of All Saints who have Shone Forth in the Russian Land, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse came from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to Saints Theodore Church in Buffalo, NY

On June 18, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints who have shone forth in the Russian Land, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sig in New York City.

On June 11, the 1st Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th of June, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the hierarchal divine services in honor of the patronal feast of St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, MA.

On Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of June, the great feast of Pentecost was celebrated in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville with the usual solemnity. In preparation for the feast, Holy Trinity Cathedral was decorated with green saplings and bouquets of flowers.

On Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of June, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the hierarchal divine services in honor of the patronal feast of Holy Trinity Church in Mebane, NC.

On Saturday the 3rd and Sunday the 4th of June, the great feast of the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles – Pentecost, Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ celebrated its patronal feast day. Archpriest Ljubo Milosevic officiated the divine services – All-Night Vigil on Saturday evening and Divine Liturgy and Great Vespers with the Kneeling Prayers on Sunday morning.

On Sunday, June 4, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, the faithful gathered at St. Vladimir Cemetery in Jackson, NJ for a panihida at St. John the Baptist Chapel to commemorate the victims of Lienz. Archpriest Boris Slootsky (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ), led the panihida.

The 75th school year at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY has been successfully completed, and on May 28, the 7th Sunday after Pascha – that of the Holy Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, the seminary celebrated its annual commencement.

On May 29, the Monday of the 7th week after Pascha, coinciding with the observance of Memorial Day, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited St. Tikhon Stavropegial Monastery of the Orthodox Church in America in South Canaan, PA.

On Wednesday the 24th and Thursday the 25th of May, the great feast of the Lord’s Ascension, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, officiated the hierarchal divine services at Christ the Savior Church in Wayne, WV. The visit of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was timed for the celebrations marking the 20th anniversary of the parish’s founding.

On Thursday, May 25, the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension in Resaca, GA celebrated its patronal feast day. Monastery abbot Archimandrite Maximos (Weimar) celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy

On Wednesday, May 24 – the Apodosis of Pascha – the grace of God was poured out with overwhelming abundance on the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV. The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, presided at hierarchal Divine Liturgy, which was festively served (according to ancient custom) exactly as on Holy Pascha itself.

On May 21, the Sunday of the Blind Man, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Sts. Cyril & Methodius Church in Summerville, SC. That weekend, the parish was celebrating not only the appointed feasts of the day and Sunday, but also the 50th anniversary of its founding and the upcoming patronal feast of the Holy Equals-of-the-Apostles Cyril and Methodius, Teachers of the Slavs ‒ May 24.

Thursday, May 25, the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, marked the fifth anniversary of the blessed repose of Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, longtime rector of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ. Parish and local clergy gathered to honor the feast and pray for the eminent cleric’s soul.

On Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of May, Brisbane celebrated the 100th anniversary of the first Orthodox parish in Australia. Hundreds of parishioners of this and other Orthodox churches from different cities of Australia and invited high-ranking guests gathered at St Nicholas Cathedral. The service was attended by three bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and about 70 clergy. Orthodox Christians of Brisbane had never seen such a large-scale event.

On May 21, the Sunday of the Blind Man, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Poughkeepsie, NY. The hierarchal service was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast day, which would take place the following day, May 22.

On Saturday, May 13, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese and abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, arrived in Australia to take part in the celebrations of the centennial anniversary of the founding of Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Brisbane, Queensland.

On Saturday, May 13, the Russian School at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ held its graduation ceremony. The students and faculty first assembled in the cathedral for a thanksgiving moleben.

On Thursday, May 18, the feast of the icon of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice," Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous stavropegial metochion church in Brooklyn, NY, in honor of its patronal feast day.

On Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of May, the Sunday of the Paralytic, the Youth Choir – under the direction of Gregory Ivanov – sang at the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy in the Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On Tuesday, May 16, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY to commemorate the first anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral), sixth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Monday, May 15, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, received His Eminence Niphon, Metropolitan of Philippopolis, representative of His Beatitude John X, Patriarch of Antioch & All the East, to His Holiness the Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, at his residence in New York City.

On Tuesday, May 16, the Russian Church Abroad commemorated the blessed repose of its First Hierarch, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion (Kapral).

On May 14, the 5th Sunday after Pascha, that of the Samaritan Woman, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, May 13, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, participated in the festive reception for the enthronement of His Eminence, Metropolitan Saba, as primate of the Antiochian Archdiocese of North America.

On May 7th, the Sunday of the Paralytic, the clergy and parishioners of St. Matrona Mission celebrated the first Divine Liturgy and patronal feast day at their new location in Lexington, KY. With the blessing of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, the parish transferred the celebration of the feast of St. Matrona of Moscow from May 2nd to that Sunday.

On Friday, May 12, the Eastern American Diocese Assembly was held at Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY. Officiating the Assembly was the Diocese’s Ruling Bishop, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

We have gathered during these Paschal days for the first time in five years. I am glad we are able to meet and hope that we will be able to discuss our diocesan affairs for the benefit of all.

On April 30, the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Protodeacon Andrei Psarev, professor of Holy Trinity Orthodox Seminary in Jordanville, NY, concelebrated at Divine Liturgy with the clergy of Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT, and after lunch delivered a lecture for parishioners and guests entitled "The History of the Russian Orthodox Church: Part II – the Muscovite Period."

After serving Divine Liturgy on Sunday, May 7, Archpriest Victor Potapov (rector of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC) received a call from a parishioner who had been at the capital’s Rock Creek Cemetery visiting the grave of her son. She informed Fr. Victor that the Iveron Cemetery Chapel had been vandalized.

The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia held its regular teleconference on Thursday, May 4, chaired by its Primate, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York. During his first visit as First Hierarch to Germany

On Saturday, May 6, the feast day of the Holy Great-Martyr & Trophy-Bearer George, St. George Cossack Church in Howell, NJ celebrated its patronal feast.

On April 30, the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Brooklyn, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On April 30, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, His Grace, Bishop Jerome, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. The visit to the Nyack parish on this weekend has become an annual tradition for the retired diocesan vicar.

On Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th of April, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, where he officiated the solemn divine services on the occasion of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the parish.

On April 23, the 2nd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Apostle Thomas, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Seraphim Cathedral of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

On Thomas Sunday, April 23 ‒ the feast of Antipascha – the patronal festal celebrations of Holy Resurrection Diocesan Cathedral in Buenos Aires, Argentina were officiated by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, who arrived from New York accompanied by the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On Thomas Sunday, April 23, local faithful and members of the Kuban Cossack Voisko gathered at St. Vladimir Cemetery in Jackson, NJ, for the traditional "Krasnaya Gorka" celebrations – when believers, radiant with Paschal joy, come to the cemeteries to pray for their departed relatives in the hope of the general resurrection.

NEW PHOTOS! The Diocesan Media Office will publish photo-reports of Holy Week & the Feast of feasts – the Lord’s Pascha in the parishes and monasteries of the Eastern American Diocese on the diocesan website. 

On Bright Saturday, April 22, clergy of the New Jersey Deanery gathered at St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, where they celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Bright Monday, April 17, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. At the entrance to the cathedral, His Eminence was greeted by the gathered clergy and students of the parish Russian School.

On the night of Sunday, April 16, the clergy and parishioners of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City celebrated the principal feast of the Christian world – Christ’s Glorious Resurrection.

On Great Saturday, April 15, when the Orthodox Church commemorates the bodily burial of Jesus Christ and His descent into Hades, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

With a sense of Paschal joy and special spiritual closeness, despite the distances separating us, I greet you, Eminent Brother-Archpastors, reverend fathers, dear brothers and sisters scattered throughout the world, on this great and light-bearing day of the Pascha of Christ!

I address all of you, Orthodox Christians living in many countries of the world, who are now in churches or praying in your homes, to extend greetings to you on the great feast of Holy Pascha with my heart full of spiritual joy, and to proclaim victoriously in accord with ancient tradition:

On Great & Holy Friday, April 14, when the Holy Church commemorates the holy, salvific, terrible suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, divine services in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City were officiated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York...

On Great and Holy Wednesday, April 12, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the final Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts for this year in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence were Archpriest Andrei Sommer (cathedral dean), Archpriest Serafim Gan (chancellor of the Synod of Bishops), and cathedral clerics.

On the great feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated All-Night Vigil on Saturday the 8th and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday the 9th of April in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, April 8, the feast of the Raising of the Righteous Lazarus, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, and celebrated Divine Liturgy there.

On Friday evening, April 7, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the Sacrament of Holy Unction in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday, April 7, the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast day.

Having gathered in Saint Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, Georgia, for the Lenten retreat and conference of clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese, we, clergy and monastics, spending the past two days in fraternal interaction, attending the divine services and communing of Christ’s Holy Mysteries

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of April, the feast of Venerable Mary of Egypt, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA, and officiated the divine services on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, the feast of the Laudation of the Most Holy Theotokos, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of Our Lady "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in Cumming (Atlanta), GA.

On Wednesday, April 5, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts in St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA.

On Tuesday, April 4, clergymen of the Eastern American Diocese flocked to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA for the start of the Southern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

On Saturday, March 25, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived in Washington, DC, to officiate the divine services for the 4th Sunday of Great Lent and the first Unction service of the Fast for parishioners of the capital’s St. John the Baptist Cathedral (the second will take place on Sunday, April 2).

On March 26, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to Venerable John Climacus, the clergy and faithful of the New Jersey Deanery gathered at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ for Divine Liturgy and later, after a fellowship luncheon, to receive the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

On Thursday the 23rd and Friday the 24th of March, St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City hosted a performance of the musical work "Kanon Pokajanen" ("Penitential Canon") by Estonian composer Arvo Pärt.

Almost two and a half years after breaking ground, the local building inspection office granted the parish of Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Harrisonburg, VA a temporary occupancy permit, allowing them to move into their new church edifice at 5004 Cross Keys Road, Mount Crawford, VA. It is only seven minutes from where they had been renting, just outside the city limits of Harrisonburg.

Having gathered in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York, for the Lenten retreat and conference of clergy of the northern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese, we, clergy and monastics, having bowed down in worship before the Cross, communed of the Holy Mysteries, and honored the memory of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, raised up our prayers for the flock entrusted to us.

On Wednesday, March 22, the feast of the Holy 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the northern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On March 19, the Sunday of the Cross, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Friday, March 17, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ, where he performed the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

On Tuesday, March 21, clergymen of the Eastern American Diocese flocked to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY for the start of the Northern Great Lenten Clergy Retreat.

On March 19, the Sunday of the Cross, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed the Sacrament of Holy Unction in Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Brooklyn, NY.

On Thursday, March 16, the 15th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Laurus (Škurla) of blessed memory, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On March 12, the second Sunday of Great Lent, that dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY ‒ his first visit in the rank of Metropolitan.

On March 5, the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy and officiated the Rite of Orthodoxy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

During the first week of Great Lent, February 27- March 3, the full cycle of divine services was held in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. Leading the reading of the Great Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete in the evenings, as well as the Divine Liturgies of the Presanctified Gifts, was Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse.

With the start of Great Lent, the divine services with the reading of the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. On Monday, February 27, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated Great Compline with the reading of the Great Canon.

Online registration for the 2023 Lenten Retreat for clergy of the Eastern American Diocese has opened on the diocesan website. 

On Clean Monday, February 27, the Orthodox Church entered the period of Great and Holy Lent. Lent ‒ also known as the springtime of the soul ‒ is a special time of repentance and cleansing of man’s soul.

On Cheesefare Sunday, February 25, the commemoration of Adam’s expulsion from paradise, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

In 2018, for the first time, I had a chance to talk about the history of the ROCOR, Byzantine imperial history, and Church law in the English-language community of St. Nektarios of Aegina in Lenoir City (Knoxville), TN. During that meeting, I recorded an interview with the parish rector, Archpriest Job Watts.

On Thursday, February 23, a regular session of the Synod of Bishops convened via videoconference, presided over by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On February 19, Meatfare Sunday, that of the Dread Judgement, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On February 12 ‒ the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the date when the Holy Church honors the Synaxis of the Three Great Hierarchs and Universal Teachers Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom ‒ Three Hierarchs Church in Hollywood, FL celebrated its patronal feast day. The day before the feast, parishioners spent a Saturday workday preparing the church and adorning their patronal icon.

On Thursday, February 16, the feast day of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan, the namesday of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York was solemnly celebrated in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Wednesday, February 15, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, first vicar of the Western American Diocese, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Wednesday, February 15, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT, and officiated the divine services for the parish’s patronal feast day.

This year, the feast of the Three Great and Holy Hierarchs – Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom ‒ the patronal feast of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY ‒ was celebrated with special solemnity. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the seminary, and to mark the occasion, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad – His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, arrived to officiate the divine services.

On Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of February, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and the day when the Holy Church honors the Synaxis of the Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs ‒ Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John Chrysostom ‒ Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, first vicar of the Western American Diocese, paid his first archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ.

The Eastern American Diocesan Council held its quarterly meeting on Friday, February 3, in a remote, online format. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York opened the meeting and, after a prayer, welcomed the Council members.

On Sunday, February 5, the Holy Church honors the memory of the synaxis of New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia. Prior to the start of Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY, the clergy and faithful greeted the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. On the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived to celebrate the festal Liturgy...

On Friday evening, February 3, with the blessing of His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, Priest Joseph Farooq (rector of St. Michael the Archangel Mission in Sargodha, Pakistan) delivered a presentation on the life of the Pakistan Mission to students of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY.

On Sunday, January 29, the feast of the Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy Apostle Peter, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL.

On Saturday the 28th and Sunday the 29th of January, the Sunday of Zacchæus, a youth choir comprised of choristers from parishes of the Eastern American Diocese in New York and New Jersey visited St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY.

On Saturday, January 28, the feast of Venerable Paul of Thebes and John Calabytes, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Church in Miami, FL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Friday, January 27, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Paideia Classical Academy in Coconut Creek and the Apostolic Mission of Christ Parish in Miami, FL. This was His Eminence’s first visit to the area since his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Sunday, January 29, the feast of the Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy Apostle Peter, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY by parish rector Archpriest Michael Taratuchin.

On Thursday, January 26, Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL received a visit from the great and holy wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On Saturday the 21st and Sunday the 22nd of January, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA, where he officiated the festal divine services. His Eminence’s visit was timed to coincide with the parish’s patronal feast day – the great feast of the Lord’s Theophany, which had been celebrated three days prior.

The great feast of the Baptism of the Lord (Theophany) was celebrated in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the All-Night Vigil on Wednesday the 18th and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Thursday the 19th of January.

On Sunday, January 15, Holy Virgin Protection Russian School in Nyack, NY held its annual Yolka celebration. As in years before, the children of the school diligently worked since October to present the play "By the Wish of the Pike," a fanciful morality play representing the importance of honesty and good deeds by your own hands.

On Saturday, January 14, the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord and the Holy Hierarch Basil the Great, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Basil Church in Simpson, PA, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Sunday, January 15, the commemoration of the Repose and Second Finding of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, on the occasion of the patronal feast day of its main St. Seraphim Cathedral, and celebrated festal Divine Liturgy.

The great feast of the Lord’s Theophany was celebrated in our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On January 15, the 31st Sunday after Pentecost, that before Theophany, and the date when the Holy Church honors the memory of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

The joyous feast of Christ’s Nativity was prayerfully celebrated in Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL.

On Monday, January 9, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern American & New York, paid his first official visit following his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad to the Mid-American Diocese. His Eminence accompanied the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God on his visit, to the joy of the local faithful.

On January 8, the 30th Sunday after Pentecost and the Sunday after the Nativity of Christ, when the Holy Church celebrates the Synaxis of the Most Holy Theotokos and honors the memory of St. Joseph the Betrothed, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

The Diocesan Media Office has begun publishing photo-reports of the Nativity of our Lord in parishes and monasteries of the Eastern American Diocese on the diocesan website. 

This year, the celebration of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY was festive as usual, however without the snow that usually typifies the feast.

On Saturday, January 7, the great feast of the Nativity of Christ, a multitude of parishioners and faithful from other churches in the city gathered in the cathedral; in comparison with past years, many more families were in attendance with their children. All came to express their love for the newborn Divine Infant Christ.

Today, as the Heavenly and earthly Church in conciliar unity glorifies God Incarnate, I extend my heartfelt greetings to all of you on the great and radiant feast of the Nativity of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In these days of great joy, the thoughts of the archpastors, pastors, monastics, parishioners, and faithful of the churches and monasteries of our dioceses, scattered like God’s wheat over the vast earth, meet in the meek Bethlehem cave, in the semi-darkness of which was lit the unquenchable Light of the world ‒ our Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God!

On behalf of the episcopate and the fullness of the Russian Church Abroad, I hasten to fraternally assure you of our common love, support, and prayers for the speedy overcoming of the present difficult ordeals which have befallen you, your monastic brethren

On January 1, 2023, the 29th Sunday after Pentecost and that before Christ’s Nativity, dedicated to the Holy Fathers, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the first Divine Liturgy of the calendar year in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

As the 2022 year departs, the Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese would like to share some of the year’s top stories with our readers. Below you will find articles on the principal and defining events in the life of the Diocese over the last year.

On Wednesday, December 29, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the chancery of the North American Archdiocese of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Englewood, NJ.

With God’s help, on Thursday, December 22, the brethren of Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL, led by the rector, Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk), visited the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas, as well as the Jordanville and Novo-Diveevo monasteries in New York State.

On December 25, the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers and feast of Venerable Herman of Alaska, the St. Herman Youth Conference continued in Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ with hierarchal Divine Liturgy, celebrated by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York.

On Monday, December 19, the feast of Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Friday, December 23, the 43rd Annual St. Herman’s Youth Conference opened at Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ. This year, over 120 young people are taking part in the conference from the Eastern American Diocese, as well as some traveling thousands of miles from faraway Canada and Australia.

On Monday, December 19, when the Holy Church celebrates the memory of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s lesser patronal feast.

On Monday, December 19, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myra in Lycia, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nicholas Church in Stratford, CT, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

The Orthodox Christian experience is given to us as an uninterrupted project, as an unfinished reality. Since we struggle until the end of our lives with the help and consolation of God, starting from this spiritual reality, the life of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas of Myra in Lycia never stops impacting us

On December 18, the 27th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the memory of Venerable Sabbas the Sanctified, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday the 5th and Tuesday the 6th of December, Moscow Theological Academy hosted the 2nd Seminar of the Society of Canon Law Teachers & Researchers, which was combined with a specialized advanced training program in Topical Problems of Teaching & Studying Canon Law Disciplines.

On December 11, the 26th Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, co-served by Archbishops Gabriel of Montreal & Canada and Peter of Chicagsky & Mid-America.

On Wednesday, December 13, the parish of St. Andrew Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA marked its patronal feast day.

On Saturday, December 10, Bishop Luke of Syracuse, having taken part in the Synodal celebrations in New York City, arrived at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the All-Night Vigil. The wonderworking Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God visited from Jordanville for the divine service.

On Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th of December, after the Synod of Bishops completed its regular session, festal divine services were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City in honor of the cathedral’s patronal feast – that of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign."

On Thursday, December 8, the Leavetaking of the Feast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, a regular session of the Synod of Bishops convened by video connection, presided over by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Saturday, December 10, the entirety of the Russian Church Abroad prayerfully celebrated the feast of the Kursk Root Icon oof the Mother of God. She is truly called the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, the directress of all those who were forced to leave their homeland and move "to a far country" (Luke 15:13). Nor is the significance of this icon any lesser for today’s immigrants from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus.

On Monday the 5th and Sunday the 6th of December, the feast of the Holy Right-Believing Great Prince Alexander Nevsky, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Memorial Church in Richmond, ME, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.