On Sunday, September 5, the 11th Sunday after Pentecost and the Leavetaking of the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Grace were Archpriest Alexandre Antchoutine (dean of New York City), 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 wonderfully under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan. The service was held under the aegis of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Despite the long weekend, parishioners came to pray and many communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Nicholas reminded the faithful of the week’s upcoming services, a touched on the day’s Gospel reading, which glorifies the Mother of God, and also mentions the Lord’s visit to Martha and Mary and His talk with them. His Grace noted this fact as an example to the faithful, that they also might always "receive the Lord in their house" and speak with Him, as this is possible for us with the help of prayer.