As the 2025 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 Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of December – the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers – His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, on Saturday, December 27, while the Orthodox Church was immersed in the Nativity Fast, a small corner of the Lomas community became the setting for an everyday miracle. Under the Matagalpa, Nicaragua

During a meeting of the Synod of Bishops, held on Tuesday, December 9, the archpastors discussed the matter of filling the ranks of the episcopacy. 

On Thursday, December 25, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Spyridon of Tremithus and Venerable Herman of Alaska, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY.

On Monday, December 22, when the Holy Church celebrates the Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos and the icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy," Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Staten Island, NY and celebrated Divine Liturgy there on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Monday, December 22, youth from across the Eastern American & Canadian Dioceses donned their winter outerwear and began their trek by automobile, train, and plane to the capital of New York State – Albany – for the start of the 46th Annual St. Herman Youth Conference.

On December 21, the 28th 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 Friday, December 19,  the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, the clergy and parishioners of the eponymous church in Endicott, NY celebrated their patronal feast day.

On Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th of December, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Enfield, CT, where he officiated the divine services on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Thursday the 18th and Friday the 19th of December, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the Wonderworker, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Stratford, CT, where he officiated the divine services on the occasion of the parish's patronal feast.

The Ukrainian state’s persecution of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC) has caused much sorrow among our congregation at Holy Epiphany [Church in Boston, MA – ed.], as has of course, the war itself. Last month, a small delegation of clergy from four Orthodox [jurisdictions] in the United States went to our nation’s capital to advocate for our persecuted brothers and sisters.

On December 14, the 27th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of Righteous Philaret the Merciful, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Western American Diocesan vicar Bishop Theodosius of Seattle visited Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack,

From the editors: On Tuesday, December 16, during a rally in defense of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church held on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, vicar of the Western American Diocese, made a statement to raise awareness of violations of religious freedom in Ukraine and to urge lawmakers to protect the rights of believers.

The Russian History Museum in Jordanville, NY is thrilled to announce the completion of a major digitization project, now accessible through the New York Heritage Digital Collections website.

On December 14, the 27th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Prophet Nahum and Righteous Philaret the Merciful, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Tuesday, December 16, nearly 200 Orthodox Christians and their allies gathered in Washington, DC, for a Legislative Day of Action in support of the persecuted Ukrainian Orthodox Church.

On December 14, the 27th 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.

On Wednesday, December 10, the Russian Orthodox community of New York City celebrated the patronal feast of the Synodal Cathedral, dedicated to the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Twelve bishops participated in the solemn service

On Friday evening, December 12th, the Eastern American Diocesan Council met for its final quarterly meeting of 2025 in a remote, online format, under the chairmanship of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York

"Forgive me for Christ’s sake and remember me in your holy prayers. Write my name in your prayer book…" – this was the last wish of the ever-memorable Bishop Jonah (Pokrovsky) of Hankou, who earned universal love and respect through his intensely ascetic life and vigorous social and public activities.

From Tuesday the 9th to Thursday the 11th of December, the final meeting of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops of the year took place at the Synodal Residence of the First Hierarch of the Russian Abroad in New York City.

On Tuesday, December 9, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York officiated the All-Night Vigil in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York, and on Wednesday, December 10, he celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy on the feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On Tuesday, 9 December, on the feast day of the Holy Hierarch Innocent, Bishop of Irkutsk, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and the members of the Synod of Bishops prayed at Divine Liturgy in St. Sergius Church in the Synodal Residence of the First Hierarch in New York City.

On Saturday the 6th and Sunday the 7th of December, during the Afterfeast of the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple, Bishop Luke of Syracuse, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services.

On Sunday, December 7, the Afterfeast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple and the feast day of the Holy Great-Martyr Catherine, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On November 21/December 4, the Orthodox Church celebrates the Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple. This feast has been known since ancient times, and its principal meaning is the preparation of the child Mary to become the future Mother of the Divine Infant Jesus Christ.

On Thursday, December 4, 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 November 30, the 25th Sunday after Pentecost, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the Church of the Nativity of Christ & St. Nicholas in Florence, Italy, by the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York

On Sunday, November 23, celebrations were held at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY, to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Hermitage and the consecration of the church in honor of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, which took place on November 19, 1950. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy.

Abbot Gabriel (Hooten; abbot of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV) gives an update on the status of the new church construction, and outlines the building projects that the monastery will undertake in the coming year:

St. Martin of Tours Church has recently become a full-time parish for the faithful in the Montgomery, AL, area after being a mission parish since its founding 10 years ago. Since its founding, the parish has experienced immense growth, with multiple baptisms even taking place on the Sunday prior to the festal Liturgy held on Monday, November 24.

On Saturday, November 22, the feast of the Holy Hierarch Nectarios of Aegina, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On November 23, the 24th Sunday after Pentecost, Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT. Upon completion of Liturgy, parish rector Archpriest Dionisy Nalitov served a thanksgiving moleben in honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving civil holiday.

Metropolitan Nicholas has issued a statement shedding additional light on recent meetings held with members of the U.S. Congress.

On Friday, November 21, when the Holy Church honors the feast of the Holy Archangel of God Michael and the other Heavenly Bodiless Hosts, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Michael Church in Wayne, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

On November 16, the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) paid an archpastoral visit to St. Nektarios Church in Lenoir City, TN. This year’s visit was timed for the weekend preceding the parish’s patronal feast, which took place on Saturday, November 22.

On November 19, 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, November 16,  Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cleric of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City) reposed in the Lord. Additional biographical information will be posted as it is received.

On Sunday the 9th of November, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady "Joy of All Who Sorrow" Church in Cumming (Atlanta), GA. The visit was timed for the parish festivities in honor of its patronal feast, which took place on Thursday, November 6 – in honor of the Icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow."

Preparations for the 27th annual pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, organized by St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC, began well in advance of the trip. Registration began immediately after the parish’s patronal feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Archpriest Serge Lukianov – dean of New Jersey and rector of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, visited Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL, and presented the community with a relic of the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco.

On Friday the 7th and Saturday the 8th of November, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern American & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, officiated the services for the departed at Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Des Plaines, IL, on the first anniversary of the repose of Archbishop Peter of Chicago & Mid-America.

On Thursday, 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 Tuesday, 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 in Newark, NJ, where he celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday the 1st and Sunday the 2nd of November, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church in McKeesport, PA, where he officiated the divine services on the 50th anniversary of the consecration of the current church edifice.

The parish of St. John of Kronstadt Memorial Church in Utica, NY celebrated its parish feast day on Saturday, November 1.

On Saturday the 25th and Sunday the 26th of October, the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America was honored to have His Eminence, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, officiate the celebration of the 75th anniversary of one if its oldest parishes, the cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Cleveland, OH, 2025.

On October 26, the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the 7th Ecumenical Council, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday, October 25, Priest Vadim Pismenny, cleric of St. Sergius of Radonezh Church in Golyanovo, (Moscow, Russia) reposed in the Lord. He was 63 years old.

On Wednesday the 22nd and Thursday the 23rd of October, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA, where he officiated the divine services for the feast of the Synaxis of the Optina Elders.

On Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of October, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, paid an archpastoral visit to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY, where he officiated the resurrectional divine services.

On Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of October, the parish of St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Tobaccoville, NC celebrated its patronal feast. His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), arrived to officiate the divine services.

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

On Thursday, 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 Monday the 13th and Tuesday the 14th of October, the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York 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 the 13th and Tuesday the 14th of October, the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast, as well as the 70th anniversary of the parish’s founding.

On Tuesday, October 14, the feast of the Protection of the Mother of God, clergy of the New Jersey Deanery gathered at Holy Virgin Protection Church in New Brunswick, NJ, in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of October, the 32nd Russian Orthodox Church Musicians’ Conference (ROCM) culminated with marvelous singing by two choirs at an All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy commemorating the Uncovering of the Relics of the Holy Hierarch John, Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco.

On Wednesday, 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 in honor of the patronal feast of St. Sergius Church in the building of the Synod of Bishops in New York City.

On Saturday, October 4, on the Leavetaking of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord, celebrations were held in the historic Russian settlement of Fort Ross, CA, to commemorate the centennail of Orthodox pilgrimages and the renewed celebrations of the Divine Liturgy, which have been celebrated annually at this holy site since 1925.

On the weekend of September 27, Abbot Gabriel (Hooten) and the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV were honored with an archpastoral visit by Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) for the monastery’s patronal feast day, as well as the resumption of the annual tradition of holding a pilgrimage weekend connected to the feast.

On September 28, the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, that after the Exaltation 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 the 26th and Saturday 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 at the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On Thursday morning, September 25, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Saint George Classical Academy, located in Boxford, MA.

The month began close to home with the feast of the Holy Great-Martyr & Healer Panteleimon. On Saturday, August 9, at the invitation of the rector, Archpriest Dionisy Nalitov, I had the honor of serving alongside Metropolitan Nicholas, our First Hierarch

On Tuesday the 23rd and Wednesday the 24th of September, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to the Church of St. Xenia of Petersburg in Methuen, MA.

On the weekend of September 20-21 – the great feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos – the parish of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Albany, NY, celebrated the 75th anniversary of its founding.

On Sunday, September 21, the day of the great feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, parishioners, pilgrims, and guests of the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY, solemnly celebrated the monastery’s patronal feast.

On Saturday the 13th and Sunday the 14th of September, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid a primatial visit to the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Washington, DC. His Eminence brought consolation to the parishioners of the cathedral

On Monday, September 15, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Assumption Church in Stafford, VA. Accompanying the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad was the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God – the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora.

On Saturday, September 13, the feast of the Deposition of the Cincture (Belt) of the Most Holy Theotokos, the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God visited Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On Thursday the 11th and Friday the 12th of September, on the patronal feast of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the parish to officiate the celebrations in honor of the Translation of the Relics of the Holy Right-Believing Great Prince Alexander Nevsky.

On Friday, September 5, the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon of the Mother of God visited St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT.

On Sunday, September 7, the Church of St. John the Russian in Ipswich, MA was blessed to receive the grace-filled presence of the Mother of God. The myrrh-streaming "Hawaiian" Iveron Icon arrived for Divine Liturgy.

On Friday the 5th and Saturday the 6th of September, the clergy and parishioners of St. Nicholas Church in Stratford, CT, celebrated the memory of Hieromartyr Maxim Sandovich, Protomartyr of the Lemko people.

On September 7, the 13th Sunday after Pentecost, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Washington, DC, has again been the recipient of God’s bountiful mercy. On Wednesday, September 3, the parish was visited by the myrrh-streaming "Hawaiian" Iveron Icon of the Mother of God.

On Saturday the 30th and Sunday the 31st of August, the parish of Holy Great Martyr & Healer Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, performed a pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, where they took part in the celebrations honoring Venerable Job of Pochaev.

On Sunday, August 31, the feast of Holy Martyrs Florus & Laurus, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to St. Andrew Stratelates Cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of its upcoming patronal feast.

On Tuesday morning, September 2, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York and Bishop Job of Stuttgart prayed at Divine Liturgy, celebrated in St. Sergius Chapel at the Synodal Headquarters in New York City.

On Tuesday, September 2, the clergy and faithful of St. Nicholas Church in Palm Coast (Bunnell), FL commemorated Deacon Lev Opie on the 40th day of his repose. Below are several reminiscences of Fr. Lev and his dedicated service to Christ’s Holy Church.

On Monday, September 1, the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian-Iveron icon of the Mother of God visited Holy Apostles Church in Beltsville, MD. The parish meets for worship in an office park, in a small, 1,250 square foot space, where it has been since 2002.

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 Thursday, August 28, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, to join the monastics, clergy, and faithful in celebrating the convent’s patronal feast day. With him he brought relics of the Holy New Hieroconfessor Patriarch Tikhon for veneration by the faithful.

On Friday, August 29, the afterfeast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, when the Church commemorates the Image of Christ "Not-Made-by-Hands," His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and monastery abbot, tonsured Deacon John Kern to the Lesser Schema. He was given the name of Joseph in honor of Venerable Joseph the Hesychast.

One of the great feasts of the Church is the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. This feast, celebrated on August 15/28, concludes the ecclesiastical year. In the "Gethsemane of Florida" – the Church of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port, FL, this day was also honored with special trepidation and solemnity.

The great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos is celebrated especially 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 Wednesday, August 27, Archpriest Alexander Fedorowski (dean of St. Seraphim Cathedral at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY) celebrated his 95th birthday. Fr. Alexander is the senior-most cleric of the Eastern American Diocese, having been ordained deacon and priest by Archbishop Nikon (Rklitsky) in 1961.

On August 24, the 11th Sunday after Pentecost and the Afterfeast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday the 18th and Tuesday 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 Monday the 18th and Tuesday 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.

On August 6/19, the Orthodox world celebrates the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord. According to Church Tradition, this event took place on Mount Tabor, which the Lord Jesus Christ ascended with the Apostles Peter, James, and John. The voice of the Heavenly Father testified: Christ is the Son of God, in Whom He is well pleased.

On Sunday, August 17, the 10th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Seven Youths of Ephesus, 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, August 15, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse, abbot of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Stephen Church in Old Forge, PA.

On Thursday, August 14, the feast of the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY.

On August 10, the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God, named the "Hodegetria" (Directress), 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 8th and Saturday the 9th of August, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Panteleimon Church in Hartford, CT, where he officiated the parish’s patronal feast

On Saturday, August 9, the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV celebrated the feast day of their beloved patron saint, the Holy Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon.

On Saturday, July 26, the Synodal School of Liturgical Music completed its 34th year, with a moleben of thanksgiving in St. Seraphim Cathedral of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

On Saturday, August 9, the feast of the Holy Great Martyr & Healer Panteleimon, Archpriest Dimitri Oselinsky (cleric of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA) reposed in the Lord. He was 81 years old.

On August 5, the Orthodox Church honors the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God. This year marks the 350th anniversary of the appearance of the Most Holy Theotokos and the miraculous deliverance of Pochaev from the Tatar invasion. The Church of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port, FL also held celebrations in honor of this great icon.

On Friday, August 1, the feast of the Translation of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, the eponymous church in Sea Cliff, NY, celebrated its patronal feast day.

On Thursday, July 31, and Friday, August 1, the feast of the Finding of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, His Grace, Bishop Jerome, visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, for the patronal feast of the convent’s main cathedral.

On August 1, the feast of the Finding of the Relics of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, celebrations were held in honor of the 75th anniversary of St. Seraphim Church in Monterey, CA.

From Friday the 25th through Sunday the 27th of July, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) visited St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA, where he officiated the divine services.

On July 27, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost and the eve of the feast day of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Prince Vladimir, the annual St. Vladimir’s Day Celebrations were held at St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ.

This July, the New York "Tsarskoe Selo" Chapter of St. George Pathfinders of America (SGPA) held its 75th summer camp for Russian Orthodox youth scouts on its territory in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains, and on the shores of the Great Sacandaga Lake in Upstate New York.

The administration of Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY is pleased to announce that the seminary is now accredited by the Middle States Commission of Higher Education, in Candidate Status.

On the night of Thursday the 24th into Friday the 25th, Deacon Lev Opie (cleric of St. Nicholas Church in Palm Coast (Bunnell), FL, reposed suddenly.

On Friday, July 18, the feast of the Venerable New Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth, Bishop Luke of Syracuse 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.

The Washington-area "Putivl" Chapter of St. George Pathfinders of America continues celebrating its 60th anniversary in its usual, familiar place – a summer camp in the Virginia mountains outside the capital.

With the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, the Metropolitan Laurus Synodal School of Liturgical Music has opened its 35th year.

On Thursday the 17th and Friday the 18th of July, the parish of St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC celebrated its patronal feast day.

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

On Wednesday, July 16, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, arrived at Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, to officiate the funeral and burial of Scoutmaster-Subdeacon Lazar Djurdjinovic, who reposed on Saturday, July 12. The funeral was held in the convent’s St. Seraphim Cathedral.

From Thursday the 10th to Saturday the 12th of July, the "Tsarskoe Selo" Chapter of St. George Pathfinders of America in Northville, NY held its first camp for "Zaichiki" (bunny scouts, ages 3-6).

On July 13, the 5th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the Synaxis of the glorious and all-praised Twelve Apostles, 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 11th and Saturday the 12th of July, the feast of the Holy Leaders of the Apostles Peter and Paul, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, officiated the divine services in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

With the blessings of Their Eminences Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, and Daniel, Archbishop of Chicago & the Midwest (OCA), and at the invitation of the brotherhood of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV...

On Friday, the 11th, and Saturday, the 12th of July, for the feast of the Holy Leaders of the Apostles Peter and Paul, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the Orthodox youth camp of the Association of Russian Explorers Outside of Russia (NORR) in the Catskill Mountains in Woodbourne, NY.

On Saturday, July 12, feast day of the Holy Supreme Leaders of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Scoutmaster-Subdeacon Lazar Djurdjinovic, longtime warden of Holy Fathers Church in New York City reposed in the Lord.

The parish of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, rejoiced in the grace-filled celebration of its patronal feast – the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John. This year’s observance was especially blessed by the archpastoral visit of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, who celebrated hierarchical Divine Liturgy on Monday, July 7.

On Tuesday the 8th and Wednesday the 9th of July, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Tikhvin Church in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast.

On July 6, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost, when the Holy Church honors the Vladimir Icon of the Mother of God, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

A state that turns away from its Church and its Primate turns away from God, the people, and its roots, said Archpriest Serafim Gan, chancellor of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and rector of St. Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY

The growing St. John of Shanghai & San Francisco Church in Winfield, PA, celebrated its first patronal feast in its own church building on Wednesday, July 2. In honor of the occasion, the mission was blessed with a visit from the abbot and rector of Holy Trinity Monastery and Seminary in Jordanville, NY – His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse – and several other visiting clergy.

On June 29, the 3rd Sunday after Pentecost, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On June 22, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, of All Saints who shone forth in the Russian land, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On, June 22, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, of All Saints who shone forth in the Russian land, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On June 15, the 1st Sunday after Pentecost, of All Saints, Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY held commencement exercises at the conclusion of its 77th academic year. The day began with a hierarchal Divine Liturgy celebrated by His Grace, Luke, Bishop of Syracuse

On June 15, the First Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL, where he officiated the final divine services at the parish’s current location.

On Monday, June 9, the Day of the Holy Spirit, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Russian Church in Ipswich, MA, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On Saturday the 7th and Sunday the 8th of June, the great feast of Pentecost was celebrated in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY with the usual solemnity. In preparation for the feast, Holy Trinity Cathedral was decorated with green saplings and bouquets of flowers.

On Sunday, June 8, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ, where he officiated the All-Night Vigil and celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

From May 30 to June 1, a youth symposium entitled "Orthodox Identity in America" was held at St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA.

On Sunday, June 8, all Christians celebrated the great feast of Holy Pentecost. It is so called because it is celebrated on the fiftieth day ("pentekostos" means "fiftieth" in Greek) after Pascha ‒ the Glorious Resurrection of Christ.

On June 1, the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, 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, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

The Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia finds it necessary to raise its voice out of bitter necessity, for we find that in a time of crisis and growing confrontation amongst nations, aspects of the Russian state and society are wandering onto an extremely dangerous path

On June 1, the Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, 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. Abbot Eutychius (Dovgan; cleric of St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson) served the panihida.

On Wednesday, May 28, the eve of the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), paid an archpastoral visit to Christ the Savior Church in Wayne, WV, where he officiated the festal All-Night Vigil.

On Wednesday, May 28, the Leavetaking of Holy Pascha, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York visited the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, where he met with His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem & All Palestine

On Saturday, 31 May, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, received Archbishop Theodosios of Sebastia of the Jerusalem Patriarchate at Ascension of the Lord Convent on the Mount of Olives.

On Monday, May 26, the American holiday of Memorial Day, parishioners of St. Pantelemon Church in Hartford, CT, made a pilgrimage to the OCA Monastery of St. Tikhon of Zadonsk in South Canaan, PA. This year, the monastery is celebrating the centennial of the blessed repose of Patriarch Tikhon (Bellavin) of Moscow & All Russia, the Confessor, the founder in 1888 of this first Orthodox monastery in America. Annual pilgrimages to the monastery began in 1905.

On Monday morning, May 26, a monumental occasion in the life of Blessed Xenia of St. Petersburg Church in Methuen, MA took place. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived to officiate the great consecration of the church and celebrate Divine Liturgy on the newly sanctified altar.

On Thursday, May 22 – the summer feast of the Holy Hierarch Nicholas, Wonderworker of Myrrh in Lycia – Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Poughkeepsie, NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s patronal feast day.

From Monday the 12th through Friday the 16th of May, parishioners of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ made a pilgrimage to Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV. The pilgrimage was led by cathedral rector Archpriest Serge Lukianov.

On Wednesday, May 14, the feast of Mid-Pentecost as well as that of the icon of the Mother of God "Unexpected Joy," with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Staten Island, NY, and celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of the parish’s vernal patronal feast.

On May 11, the 4th Sunday of Pascha, that of the Paralytic, with the blessing of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, a delegation from the Eastern American Diocese attended Divine Liturgy for the patronal feast of Sts. Cyril & Methodius Bulgarian Cathedral in New York City.

On May 11, the 4th Sunday of Pascha, that of the Paralytic, Divine Liturgy in the London Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God and the Holy Royal Martyrs was concelebrated by the First Hierarch f the Russian Church Abroad and the members of the Holy Synod of Bishops of ROCOR

On May 11, the 4th Sunday of Pascha, that of the Paralytic, Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Friday, May 9, a regular session of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad opened in the lower church of the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God in London.

On Tuesday, May 6, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Great Martyr & Victory-bearer George, the eponymous Cossack parish in Howell, New Jersey celebrated its patronal feast. Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York arrived on the eve. On the morning of May 6, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy.

On May 4, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, that of the Myrrh-bearing Women, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid 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 4, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, that of the Myrrh-bearing Women, with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, Bishop Seraphim of Kostajnica, vicar of the Diocese of Mid-America & New Gracanica of the Serbian Orthodox Church, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Our Lady of Vladimir Church in Coronado, Costa Rica, not far from the capital of San José.

On May 4, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, that of the 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 4, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, that of the Myrrh-bearing Women, 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 in Jamesville (near Syracuse), NY, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On May 4, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, with the blessing of Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), paid an archpastoral visit to the eponymous church in Mount Crawford, VA

New Photographs! On Thursday, May 1, the German Diocese solemnly celebrated the 50th anniversary of clerical service (ordination to the diaconate and priesthood), as well as monastic tonsure of His Eminence Mark, Metropolitan of Berlin & Germany.

On April 27, 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 Bright Saturday, April 26, the special Bright Week funeral service for a monastic was served for the newly reposed abbot of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV, Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon (Voepel). The service was held in the new monastery church immediately after a Paschal Divine Liturgy – the first Divine Liturgy to be served in the new church.

On Bright Saturday, April 26, diocesan clergy gathered in Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY to serve the panihida and burial of Archpriest Alexis Kotar (dean of St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, WA) who reposed in the Lord on Sunday, April 13 ‒ the great feast of Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem.

On Bright Saturday, April 26, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York performed an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, and celebrated Paschal Divine Liturgy there.

On April 27, the 2nd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Apostle Thomas, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and monastery abbot, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

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 Monday, April 21, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. Upon entering the cathedral, His Eminence was greeted by rector Archpriest Serge Lukianov.

With great sadness but also with joyful faith in the Resurrection of our Lord, the brethren of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV announced the repose of their beloved father in Christ, Schema-Archimandrite Panteleimon (Voepel). He fell asleep in the Lord in the early morning, of Bright Thursday, April 24. He was 81 years old.

On the night of Saturday the 19th into Sunday the 20th of April, divine services for the great feast of Christ’s Glorious Resurrection were held in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, led by the monastery’s abbot, Bishop Luke of Syracuse. Serving alongside His Grace were monastery and seminary faculty clergy.

On Sunday, April 20, the clergy, numerous parishioners and guests of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City celebrated the "Feast of feasts and the Festival of festivals" – the Glorious Resurrection of Christ.

On Great & Holy Friday, April 18, when the Holy Church commemorates the holy, salvific, and terrible suffering and death of our Lord Jesus Christ, Metropolitan Nicholas officiated the divine services in the Cathedral of the Sign.

It is with these life-affirming words filled with great spiritual power that from the depths of my heart I greet and congratulate you all on the great and radiant feast of Holy Pascha.

On Great & Holy Friday, April 18, Subdeacon Anthony Kofonow (longtime sacristan of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ) reposed in the Lord after a lengthy illness. He was 75 years old. For three, weeks he received Holy Communion every day.

With God’s help, we safely crossed the sea of Great Lent and reached the radiant days of the Lord’s Pascha. May the present celebration, for which we have been preparing with prayer and fasting, renew a right spirit, that is, a healthy spirit, in our hearts, that we might understand the mystery of Christ’s Resurrection

On Great Thursday, April 17, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Great and Holy Wednesday, April 16, 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.

In light of his medical condition and his profound lifelong desire to end his days in the Great and Angelic Schema (the fullness of the monastic life), Archimandrite Seraphim (Voepel) recently asked the ruling bishop of the Eastern American Diocese, Metropolitan Nicholas, to tonsure him as a schemamonk.

On the great feast of the Entrance of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), the All-Night Vigil on Saturday the 12th and Divine Liturgy on the 13th of April in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City were officiated by Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York.

On April 13, 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 Friday evening, April 11, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York officiated the Sacrament of Holy Unction in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. A multitude of cathedral parishioners and those from other churches in the city came to take part in the divine services and the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

On Monday, April 7, the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos and the date of the repose of the Holy Hierarch Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, the Confessor (+1925), celebrations dedicated to his memory were held in St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City, built and consecrated by the saint in 1902.

From Saturday, the 5th, through Monday, the 7th of April, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse performed an archpastoral visit to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA. Serving alongside His Grace at the divine services were rector Archimandrite John (Townsend) and parish clergy.

I am especially overjoyed to greet you all with the feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos in this majestic and historic Patriarchal Cathedral, abiding among the heirs of the work of the hierarch, missionary, and holy confessor Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow & All Rus'

On Sunday, April 6, the 5th Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to Venerable Mary of Egypt, as well as the eve of the anniversary of the repose (+1925) of the Holy Hierarch Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, the Confessor, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

From March 27 to 31, at the invitation of 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, accompanied the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" on a primatial visit to the Seattle Vicariate of the Western American Diocese.

On March 30, 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 Wednesday, March 26, 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, March 25, clergy of the Eastern American Diocese embarked on their journeys to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY for the start of the Northern Great Lenten Pastoral Retreat.

On March 23, the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, that of the Cross, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were cathedral clerics: dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov, Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky.

On March 22-23, the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, that of the Cross, His Grace, Bishop Jerome (Shaw), paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA, where he officiated the divine services.

With God’s help, the community and brethren of the Monastery of the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God in North Port, FL have found a new place for prayer and divine service.

In the evening on March 23, 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.

From March 14-18, youth from across the New England Deanery of the Eastern American Diocese gathered for the 4th annual pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Wednesday, March 19, the Great Lenten Retreat for clergy of the southern deaneries of the Eastern American Diocese concluded with the celebration of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA.

On Tuesday, March 18, 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 15th and Sunday the 16th 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.

The second week of Great Lent is dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, a teacher of prayer and piety, who revealed special teachings about the Divine Uncreated Light. Also especially venerated on this day are all the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves, whose holy relics rest in the Far and Near Caves of the Kiev Caves Lavra.

On March 15, the second Saturday (and first Soul Saturday) of Great Lent, with the blessing of His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) paid an archpastoral visit to St. Martin of Tours Mission in Montgomery, AL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy for the Departed.

On March 9, the first Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to 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.

During the first week of Great Lent, March 3-7, 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 celebrating the Divine Liturgies of the Presanctified Gifts, was Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse.

"Orthodox Russia" (Pravoslavnaia Rus’) was a phenomenon of the Russian ecclesiastical diaspora. Founded in 1928 by then-Archimandrite (future Archbishop) Vitaly (Maximenko, 1873–1960), a Pochaev printer, the bi-weekly publication in the mid-1930s became an organ of the entire Russian Orthodox Diaspora transcending “jurisdictional boundaries.”

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.

During a session of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, held via remote communication Tuesday, February 12/25, 2025

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.

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.