On April 18, the 5th Sunday of Great Lent, that of St. Mary of Egypt, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence were cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Edward Chervinsky and Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral clerics), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

The Synodal choir sang beautifully under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan. Praying at the service were parishioners of the cathedral and other churches in the city, many of whom confessed their sins and communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Archbishop Gabriel addressed those present with a sermon, in which he spoke about the life of Venerable Mary of Egypt, noting that this saint is a true example of repentance for the faithful.

His Eminence reminded them of the important of thinking about one’s sins and offering sincere repentance for them during Great Lent, which is already drawing to a close, in order to great the radiant feast of Holy Pascha with a pure heart.