On Saturday, January 6, the Eve of the great feast of the Nativity of Christ, Metropolitan Hilarion 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. His Eminence was co-served by diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, and cathedral and diocesan clergy. Parishioners of the cathedral and other New York churches prayed at the divine service, many of whom communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of the Liturgy, on behalf of the cathedral clergy and parishioners, Bishop Nicholas congratulated Metropolitan Hilarion with the feast of Christ’s Nativity. "Christ is born, in order to same man," said Bishop Nicholas. "We pray at Liturgy: 'Grant us Thy peace and Thy love, O Lord, our God.' We pray that the Lord might bless you with His mercy, and that God’s peace might reign around us." His Grace also congratulated the Metropolitan on the occasion of his birthday, and wished him strength and fortitude for many years and to the service of the Russian Church Abroad.