On Tuesday the 20th and Wednesday the 21st of September, the great feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, festal divine services were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

His Holiness Porfirije, Patriarch of Serbia, congratulated Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York on his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

His Eminence Alexander, Metropolitan of Riga & All Latvia, congratulated His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, on his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia:

On September 18, the 14th Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Prophet Zechariah and the Righteous Elizabeth, parents of St. John the Baptist, the enthronement of Metropolitan Nicholas (Olhovsky) as First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia took place in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, congratulated Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York on his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

The Head of the Russian Imperial House, H.I.H. the Grand Duchess Maria of Russia, has sent a letter of congratulations to the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York, on his election by the Council of Bishops of ROCOR and confirmation by His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia.

On Saturday, September 17, at the All-Night Vigil in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan ‒ elected First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad on Tuesday, September 13 ‒ was elevated to the rank of metropolitan.

His Beatitude Onufry, Metropolitan of Kiev & All Ukraine, congratulated His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, on his election as First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and noted that he shares in the joy of the forthcoming enthronement ceremony:

On Wednesday, September 14, participants of the Council of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad heard reports by ruling bishops of the Dioceses of Canada, Mid-America, Great Britain, and Western America.

On Wednesday, September 14, members of the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church adopted the below published daily record, discussing its merits with the help of methods of remote communication.

On Tuesday, 13 September, the election of His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, as the new First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia by its Council of Bishops took place.

On Tuesday, September 13, the Council of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad began its work. Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City was celebrated by Metropolitan Mark of Berlin & Germany,

On Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of September, the patronal feast day of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Bishop James of Sonora paid an archpastoral visit to the parish.

On Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of September, the clergy and parishioners of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC celebrated their 73rd patronal feast day. In 1949, on the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Forerunner, the Holy Hierarch John of Shanghai & San Francisco celebrated the first Divine Liturgy in the newly created parish community. The saint was then spending several months in the American capital, successfully petitioning the government on behalf of his émigré flock, which had fled from communist China.

Having celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday, September 11, the feast of the Beheading of the Forerunner of the Lord John, in their own sees, the archpastors of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia headed for New York City to participate in its Council of Bishops.

Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY began its 75th academic year on Monday, September 5. Orientation for the new students had taken place on Thursday the 1st and Friday the 2nd of September. On Monday, September 5, at 2:00 PM, a moleben was served by the seminary rector, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse, together with monastery clergy.

On Saturday the 10th and Sunday the 11th of September, the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse officiated the divine services in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Sunday, September 11, the feast of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist, Bishop John of Caracas & South America celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Intercession & St. Sergius Church in Glen Cove, NY. Concelebrating with His Grace were parish rector Archpriest Alexandre Antchoutine and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

On September 10-11, the 13th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of the Beheading of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, Bishop James of Sonora, vicar of the Western American Diocese, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy for the feast.

On Friday the 9th and Saturday the 10th of September, the brethren of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY celebrated their lesser patronal feast, in honor of Venerable Job of Pochaev. The divine services were officiated by His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and abbot of the monastery.

On Labor Day weekend, September 3-5, clergy and parishioners of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ and Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY undertook the traditional pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. This spiritual tradition was founded by Archbishop Vitaly (Maximenko; +1960) of Eastern America.

On September 4, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, as the Holy Church continues to honor the Most Holy Theotokos in her Dormition, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Grace were: cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

The election of a new First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will take place on Tuesday, September 13. The procedure will take no more than three rounds, the first round requiring two-thirds of the votes of the other hierarchs to succeed. Voting will be all active bishops of the Russian Church Abroad, as reported by Archpriest Serafim Gan, Chancellor of the Synod of Bishops.

On September 4, the 12th Sunday after Pentecost, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to St. Andrew Stratelates Cathedral in St. Petersburg, FL, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. His visit was timed to coincide with celebrations of the parish’s patronal feast day, which had taken place on September 1.

On Wednesday, 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 Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Mother of God, the clergy, faithful, and sisters of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY celebrated their patronal feast day.

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.

Services in the Church of Our Lady of Pochaev in North Port, FL are performed daily: Divine Liturgy in the morning and Vespers and Matin in the evening. The special cycle of services was blessed for the brethren of the parish by Metropolitan Hilarion of blessed memory

On Friday the 5th and Saturday the 6th of August, the parish of Joy of All Who Sorrow Church in Cumming (Atlanta), GA hosted a retreat for their parishioners, parents, and children at the Monastery of the Glorious Ascension in Resaca, GA. Over 40 adults and children enjoyed the festivities and monastery grounds. The monastery chapel and facilities were opened for the group.

On Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of August, the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the festal divine services.

On Saturday the 27th and Sunday the 28th of August, the faithful of Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL celebrated the great feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos.

On Saturday the 20th and Sunday the 21st of August, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL.

On Friday, August 19, the great feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Grace were: cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

On August 14, the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, and the feast of the Procession of the Honorable Wood of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Serving alongside His Grace were cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer and Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff.

On Monday the 8th and Tuesday 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.

On Friday, August 5, when the Holy Church celebrates the Pochaev Icon of the Mother of God, Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL celebrated its patronal feast. The community’s founding and the name of the church itself were due to the blessing and initiative of the ever-memorable Metropolitan Hilarion, the reposed First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Tuesday, August 9, Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV celebrated the feast day of its patron saint, the Holy Great-Martyr and Healer Panteleimon. His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, celebrated Divine Liturgy, inspiring the faithful not only with his reverence at the altar, but also with his unflagging dedication, since he did not arrive at the monastery until close to midnight the evening before due to flight cancellations and delays.

On August 7, the 8th Sunday after Pentecost and the feast of the Righteous Anna, mother of the Most Holy Theotokos, 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 and Synodal Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff.

On Monday, August 1, the feast of Venerable Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov, despite its being a workday, a large number of the faithful gathered in St. Seraphim Memorial Church to the Re-Establishment of Unity in the Russian Church in Sea Cliff, NY.

On Wednesday the 3rd and Thursday the 4th of August, the parish of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Mary Magdalene in Darmstadt, Germany, celebrated its patronal feast day with particular solemnity. The presence of the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God was a special blessing, as well as the concelebration of two bishops of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Sunday, July 31, and Monday, 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 Saturday the 23rd and Sunday the 24th of July, the feast of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Great Princess Olga, festal All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy were served in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Saturday the 16th and Sunday the 17th of July, the feast of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia, All-Night Vigil was served and Divine Liturgy celebrated in the new Mission of St. Elizabeth the New Martyr in Cullman, AL, for the first time. Clerics of St. Mary of Egypt Church in Atlanta, GA traveled for the services: Archimandrite John (Townsend), Hieromonk Gabriel (Davis), and Deacon Peter Epstein.

On July 31, the 7th Sunday after Pentecost, that of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils, the annual St. Vladimir’s Day Celebrations, dedicated to the Baptism of Rus’, were held at St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ. Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy, co-served by Archbishop Peter of Chicagsky & Mid-America and Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan.

On Thursday, 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, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy for its patronal feast day.

As the summer sun beats down on the continental United States, many parishes and monasteries across the Eastern American Diocese are forging ahead with various construction and restoration projects:

On Monday, July 25, the "Summer Boys" program, held at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, concluded its annual session. For three weeks, a group of 31 young men lived at the monastery, frequenting 6:00 AM Divine Liturgy, sharing obediences with the monks, partaking in meals and, of course, getting some well-deserved time for recreation every afternoon.

This July, the New York "Tsarskoe Selo" Chapter of St. George Pathfinders of America (SGPA) held its 74th summer camp for Russian Orthodox youth scouts on its territory in the foothills of the Adirondack Mountains. The three-week camp featured a program rich in theoretical as well as practical matters, including classes in Russian History, Scouting, and the Law of God,

On Monday, July 18, the feast day of the Holy Venerable New Martyr Elizbeth, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan 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.

In New York’s Catskill Mountains, the 56th annual summer youth camp of the Association of Russian Explorers (NORR) is being held July 3-23. More than 150 campers, troops leaders, counselors, and helpers ‒ all volunteers ‒ have come from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Jersey, California, Texas, North Carolina, and Florida, as well as from Russia, in order to spend these three weeks together.

From Saturday the 16th through Monday the 18th of July, His Eminence, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen), paid an archpastoral visit to St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Columbia, SC, where he officiated the divine services for the feast of the Holy Royal Martyrs and the parish’s patronal feast.

On Sunday, July 17, the feast of the Holy Royal Martyrs of Russia, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the stavropegial metochion Church of the Mother of God "The Inexhaustible Chalice" in Brooklyn, NY.

On July 10, the 4th Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church honors the memory of Venerable Ambrose of Optina, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Tuesday, July 12, the feast of the Holy Leaders of the Apostles Peter and Paul, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Friday the 8th and Saturday the 9th of July, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to Our Lady of Tikhvin Church in Howell, NJ, on the occasion of its patronal feast, and officiated the All-Night Vigil the eve prior and celebrated Divine Liturgy on the day of the feast.

On Wednesday the 6th and Thursday the 7th of July, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptizer of the Lord John, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, paid an archpastoral visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA, where he officiated the divine services for the parish’s patronal feast day.

On Wednesday the 6th and Thursday the 7th of July, the feast of the Nativity of the Holy Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptizer of the Lord John, divine services were held in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

At the invitation of His Eminence Kyrill, Archbishop of San Francisco & Western America, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan took part in the celebrations in honor of the feast day of the Holy Hierarch John, Wonderworker of Shanghai & San Francisco.

On June 25, the Second Sunday after Pentecost, commemorating all saints who have Shown forth in the Russian land, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of St. Mary Magdalene in the Gethsemane Convent in Jerusalem.

On June 26, the 2nd Sunday after Pentecost, that of All Saints who shone forth in the Russian Land, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrate Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday the 18th and Sunday the 19th of June, the parish of Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Church in Brooklyn, NY held a pilgrimage to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY. Archpriests Serge Lukianov (rector) and Petro Kunitsky led the 42 parishioners.

On Friday, June 24, when the Holy Church honors the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God and celebrate the memory of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY, and a panihida served for the 40th day of the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion, ever-memorable First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On Friday, June 24, when the Holy Church honors the Kursk Root Icon o the Mother of God and celebrate the memory of the Holy Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas, as well as Venerable Barlaam of Khutyn (the skete’s lesser patronal feast day) Divine Liturgy was celebrated in Holy Protection Skete in Buena, NJ,

On Friday, June 24, the summer feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Refectory Church of the Holy Ascension Convent on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Following Liturgy,

On Thursday, June 23, the feast of Holy Hierarch John (Maximovitch), Metropolitan of Tobolsk, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Alexander Nevsky Church at the Russian Archæological Excavations in Jerusalem.

From Sunday the 19th through Tuesday the 21st of June, while accompanying the PaTRAM Male Choir, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan continued his pilgrimage to the holy sites of Jerusalem and beyond. Joining him was Western American Diocesan vicar Bishop Theodosius of Seattle.

From June 13-19, the All North American Youth Conference was held at the Snowbird Center in Salt Lake City, UT. Readers can acquaint themselves with the opening of the conference and first days of its work here. On Sunday, June 19, the conference concluded with Divine Liturgy in St. George Church in Salt Lake City.

The day before Pentecost, Soul Saturday, is appointed as a special commemoration in the Church Typicon for all of the Orthodox reposed. Since Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY has a very large cemetery, it has been the custom for many years to celebrate Divine Liturgy on this day in the cemetery’s Chapel of the Dormition,

On Saturday the 18th Sunday the 19th of June, the Sunday of All Saints, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle officiated the All-Night Vigil and celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Church of the Ascension of our Lord in Holy Ascension Convent on the Mount of Olives. S

On Saturday, June 18, the Patriarch Tikhon Russian-American Music Institute (PaTRAM) male choir performed a concert of the works of renowned Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff’s All Night Vigil in the Pope John Paul II Concert Hall in Jerusalem.

On Tuesday, 14 June, the All North American Youth Conference opened at the Snowbird Center in Salt Lake City, UT. This is the first such youth event of the Russian Church Abroad since the COVID pandemic began. Two similar events were held earlier in Paris and San Francisco.

At midnight early Friday morning on June 17, clergy and pilgrims gathered in the Church of the Resurrection of Christ (Church of the Holy Sepulcher) in Jerusalem. Archbishop Theodosius of Sebastia officiated Divine Liturgy, concelebrated by Bishops Theodosius of Seattle and Nicholas of Manhattan.

On Thursday, June 16, Divine Liturgy in the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ was celebrated by Metropolitan Benedict of Diocaesarea. With the blessing of His Holiness Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem & All Palestine, Bishops Theodosius of Seattle and Nicholas of Manhattan co-served with His Eminence.

On Tuesday, June 14, the third day of Holy Pentecost, Their Graces, Bishops Theodosius of Seattle and Nicholas of Manhattan, were received by His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of Jerusalem & All Palestine.

On Saturday the 11th and Sunday the 12th of June, the great feast of Holy Pentecost, His Eminence Gabriel, Archbishop of Montreal & Canada, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, NJ, where he officiated the divine services in honor of the parish’s patronal feast.

On Saturday evening the 11th and Sunday the 12th of June, the great feast of Holy Pentecost (Holy Trinity Sunday), Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan officiated the All-Night Vigil and celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, co-served by cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

On June 6, the Sunday of the Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan performed an archpastoral visit to St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL. The visit was timed in connection with the parish’s upcoming patronal feast ‒ June 11.

On Thursday, June 2, 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, co-served by Priest Benedict Simpson, Priest Justinian Burnett and Deacon Laurence Powell (monastery clerics).

The 74th school year at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY has been successfully completed, and on June 5, the 7th Sunday after Pascha – that of the Holy Fathers of the 1st Ecumenical Council, the seminary celebrated its annual commencement with a hierarchal Divine Liturgy, thanksgiving moleben, commencement exercises, and a reception.

On Sunday, May 15, the first hierarchal visitation to the Church of the Holy Innocents & St. Nina, Equal-to-the-Apostles, in Bristow, VA, was made by His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan.

On June 5, the 7th Sunday after Pascha – that of the Holy Fathers of the 1st 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. Archpriest Boris Slootsky (cleric of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ), led the panihida.

On the great feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan officiated All-Night Vigil on Wednesday the 1st and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Thursday the 2nd of June in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday evening, May 30, the myrrh-streaming Hawaiian Iveron Icon made an unscheduled visit to St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Mayfield, PA. The holy icon was in Northeast Pennsylvania for the Memorial Day Weekend celebrations and annual pilgrimage of the faithful at St. Tikhon Monastery in South Canaan, PA.

On May 29, the 6th Sunday of Holy Pascha, of the Blind Man, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, May 14, clergy and parishioners of Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA gathered to mark two important commemorative dates – the 15th anniversaries of the signing of Act of Canonical Communion between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Church Abroad, and the repose of longtime rector Archpriest Roman Lukianov (+2007).

This year’s Paschal period has been an eventful one in the parish life of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ. After the celebration of Holy Pascha on Sunday, April 24, the parish welcomed His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, who paid the tradition archpastoral visit on Bright Monday the 25th, and officiated the divine services.

On May 22, the 5th Sunday of Holy Pascha, the commemoration of the meeting of the Lord with the Samaritan Woman, and then the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Hierarch and Wonderworker Nicholas, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, the burial of the newly departed First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, was held at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

We received the news of the passing of Metropolitan Hilarion with sadness, and assure you and the entire ROCOR community of Our prayers from the Holy Tomb of our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for the repose of his soul in the Heavenly Kingdom.

On Tuesday, May 24, the whole Russian Church Abroad, as well as many in other Local Churches, commemorated with prayer the 9th day of the repose of Metropolitan Hilarion of blessed memory.

It was with great sorrow that I heard the news of the repose of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York.

On Saturday, May 21, the feast of the Holy Apostle & Evangelist John the Theologian, the monastic funeral of the newly reposed First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad ‒ His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York ‒ was held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday, May 21, the feast of Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian, His Eminence Mark, Metropolitan of Berlin & Germany, will officiate Divine Liturgy at 7:30 AM with the participation of archpastors, clergymen, and representatives of other Local Orthodox Churches

We were deeply moved when we heard of the repose of our beloved brother and concelebrant, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion. We knew him to be a man of faith, integrity, and principle.

The tragic news of the repose of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, who is deeply revered and respected by all, has been met with deep sorrow in our hearts.

In the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, the clergy continue to serve panihidas for the newly reposed primate of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion. On Tuesday evening, May 17, Metropolitan Mark of Berlin & Germany, recently arrived from Germany, officiated the panihida in the cathedral.

It was with great sorrow that I received the news of the repose of the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York. I express my deepest condolences for your loss.

It is with great sorrow that I learned of the repose of our dear and beloved brother, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion.

On Monday evening, May 16, the first panihida for the newly reposed Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, was served in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Monday, May 16, the feast of Venerable Theodosius of the Kiev Caves, at 2:00 PM New York time, following a lengthy illness, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, reposed in the Lord in a New York City hospital.

On Sunday, May 15, His Grace Luke, Bishop of Syracuse and monastery abbot, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On May 15, the 4th Sunday of Pascha, of the Paralytic, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. 

On May 8, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Harrisonburg, VA and officiated the divine services there for the parish’s patronal feast day.

On May 8, the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, the feast of the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women, Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in the lower church of Venerable Job of Pochaev at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On May 8, 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 May 1, the 2nd Sunday of Pascha, dedicated to the Holy Apostle Thomas, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Seraphim Cathedral of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY.

On Friday, May 6, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Great-Martyr and Trophy-Bearer George, the Cossack parish of the same name in Howell, NJ, celebrated its patronal feast

On the 3rd Sunday of Pascha, the Orthodox Church glorifies the Holy Myrrh-bearing Women. This year, Sunday, May 8, was also Mother’s Day in many countries around the world.

On Thomas Sunday, May 1, the feast of Antipascha, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence were: Priest Živojin Jakovljević (cleric of the Serbian Church in the USA), Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

On Saturday, May 7, clergy and faithful gathered in St. Andrew Naval Cathedral in Philadelphia, PA to mark the 50th anniversary of cathedral rector Archpriest Mark Shinn’s ordination to the priesthood. It was on this day that Archbishop Seraphim (Ivanov; +1987)

On May 1, the Second Sunday of Pascha, clergy and faithful of central New Jersey gathered in St. Vladimir Cemetery in Jackson, NJ to bring the joyous news of the Resurrection of Christ to those entombed there.

On Bright Saturday, April 30, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to St. Vladimir Memorial Church in Jackson, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

NEW PHOTOGRAPHS 05/03! 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 25, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Church in Howell, NJ, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On the night of Sunday, April 24, the clergy and parishioners of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City joyously celebrated the principal Christian feast of Christ’s Resurrection.

Addressing you with these life-affirming words, I extend to all of you my heartfelt greetings on the great and world-saving feast of Pascha. On this chosen and holy day, so overwhelming is our spiritual joy and profound gratitude to God and so distinct is the feeling of the might and depth of the Creator’s love for human beings

With a sense of jubilation in the Lord, the Victor over evil, hell, and death, I greet you all on this luminous night of the Lord’s Matins and Paschal Liturgy, this "feast of faith," which the great Chrysostom exhorts us to relish! Greetings on the Glorious Resurrection of Christ!

On Great & Holy Friday, April 22, 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

On Great Thursday, April 21, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, 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 20, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated the final Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts for this year in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On the great feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday), Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan officiated the All-Night Vigil on Saturday the 16th and celebrated Divine Liturgy on Sunday the 17th of April in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On April 16, the feast of the Raising of the Righteous Lazarus, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, and celebrated Divine Liturgy there.

On Sunday, April 10, the Sacrament of Holy Unction was performed in St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL. For the first time in many years, the Sacrament was officiated by a hierarch – Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan.

On Friday, April 15, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan officiated the Sacrament of Holy Unction in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th of April, the feast of Venerable Mary of Egypt, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA, and led the divine services on the occasion of its patronal feast day.

On Saturday the 9th and Sunday the 10th of April, after two years of being unable to visit Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY due to COVID, the parish school of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY was finally able to organize a small pilgrimage to the holy site.

On Wednesday, April 13, the Southern Lenten Diocesan Clergy Retreat concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts in St. Mary of Egypt Church in Roswell (Atlanta), GA.

On Tuesday, April 12, priests and deacons carrying out their pastoral ministry in the southern half of the Eastern American Diocese arrived in Roswell (Atlanta), GA for the start of the Lenten Clergy Retreat held in St. Mary of Egypt Church.

On Saturday, March 26, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, paid a visit to the parish school of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY, in order to spend the school day with the students and teachers, taking part in the everyday life of the school.

On Saturday, April 9 – the feast of the Laudation of the Mother of God – Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Annunciation Church in Flushing,

St. Martin of Tours Mission in Montgomery, AL, has seen 19 baptisms since it was established. Of the 19 baptisms, five were infants and 14 were adult converts, 11 in the past six months alone. The names of the 11 are: Michael, Sophia, Hope, Charity, Catherine, Cyprian, Leo, Emily, Maxim, Sergius, and Lydia.

On Sunday the 20th and Friday the 25th of March, members of the Yale Russian Chorus (YRC), in Florida for spring break, paid a visit to Three Hierarchs Church in Hollywood and St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, where they sang at the divine services of Great and Holy Lent.

On Wednesday, April 6, the clergy and parishioners of Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Harrisonburg, VA marked another milestone as they work to construct a new temple. Parish rector Priest Gabriel Weller blessed the new cupola and cross before a crane placed them atop the future church.

According to the typicon of the Lenten Triodion, on the Saturday of the Fifth Week of Great Lent, the Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos is chanted as part of the Matins service. As usual, His Grace Bishop Luke, served the Akathist Hymn, along with the brethren of the monastery.

On Wednesday the 6th and Thursday the 7th of April, the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan officiated All-Night Vigil and celebrate Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

The end of March and beginning of April were a spiritually rich period in the parish life of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC: many Lenten divine services were held, cathedral clergy took part in the Lenten Clergy Retreat at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY...

On Thursday, April 7, the great feast of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Luke of Syracuse celebrated Divine Liturgy in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Saturday the 2nd and Sunday the 3rd, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to Venerable John Climacus, for the first time ever, Archimandrite Seraphim (Voepel) and the brethren of Holy Cross Monastery in Wayne, WV joyfully hosted a visit by the wonderworking Icon of the Mother of God "Quick to Hear" from St. Tikhon’s Monastery in South Canaan, PA.

The clergy and faithful of St. John the Baptist Cathedral in Washington, DC decided to place the relics of the saints of the Kiev Caves – a remarkable gift from Metropolitan Vladimir, former Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church – in the middle of the church and conduct special prayer services before them each Sunday

On April 3, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to Venerable John Climacus, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence was cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer.

On the evening April 3, the fourth Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to Venerable John Climacus, clergy of the New Jersey Deanery gathered at St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ to perform the Sacrament of Holy Unction.

On Wednesday, March 30, the Northern Lenten Diocesan Clergy Retreat concluded with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY.

On Tuesday, March 29, clergy from across the Eastern American Diocese flocked to Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY for the start of the annual Lenten Clergy Retreat. The clergy, donned in winter riassas, braved the freezing temperatures and snow of Central New York State to be warmed by the affectionate greeting of their brother clergy, many seeing each other for the first time in three years.

On March 27, the Sunday of the Cross, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan led the Sacrament of Holy Unction in Holy Myrrhbearers Church in Brooklyn, NY.

On March 27, the third Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to the Holy Cross, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City

On Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th of March, the Second Sunday of Great Lent – dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas – His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, paid an archpastoral visit to Protection of the Mother of God Church in Rochester, NY.

On the Sunday of Orthodoxy, March 13, the Misión Ortodoxa San Juan Clímaco in San Germán, PR, welcomed eight students from across the United States as part of the Orthodox Christian Fellowship’s (OCF) Real Break ministry. The Mission was chosen as one of this year’s service and pilgrimage locations.

On Thursday, March 24, the Chancery of the Synod of Bishops published a statement in connection with rumors that had spread "of the discontinuance of commemoration of His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow & All Russia, in some parishes of the Russian Church Abroad:"

On Tuesday, March 22, when the Holy Church commemorated the Holy Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, the clergy and faithful of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ also marked the namesday of the ever-memorable Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, the cathedral’s builder and long-time rector.

On March 20, the second Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to the Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On March 20, the Sunday of Holy Hierarch Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, the Sacrament of Holy Unction was served in the Church of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia in Brooklyn, NY.

After the first week of Great Lent, one of strict fasting and long and penitential services, the brethren of Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY celebrated the Sunday of Orthodoxy, the triumph over the heresy of iconoclasm.

On March 12, the first Saturday of Great Lent and the feast of the Holy Great-Martyr Theodore the Tyro, Metropolitan Jonah (Paffhausen) celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Herman of Alaska Church in Stafford, VA.

Wednesday, March 16, marks fourteen years since the repose of the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus – the fifth First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad.

On March 13, the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Bishop Irenei of London & Western Europe celebrated Divine Liturgy and performed the Rite of Orthodoxy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, co-served by Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan.

On Sunday, March 13, the feast of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ.

During the first week of Great Lent, March 7-11, 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 the 7th and Thursday the 10th of March, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan officiated Great Compline e with the reading of the Great Canon

On March 6, Cheesefare (Forgiveness) Sunday, the commemoration of Adam’s expulsion from Paradise, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Online registration for the 2022 Lenten Retreat for clergy of the Eastern American Diocese has opened on the diocesan website. 

On February 27 – Meatfare Sunday, or the Sunday of the Dread Judgement – Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On the threshold of Great Lent, this salvific time of augmented prayer and self-correction, and in connection with events unfolding in the Ukrainian land, I turn to all with a heartfelt plea: refraining from excesses in watching television, following newspapers and the internet

On February 19-20, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, paid an archpastoral visit to St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Howell, NJ, where he officiated the divine services.

On Monday the 14th and Tuesday 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. His Grace was co-served by monastery clergy.

On February 20, the Sunday of the Prodigal Son and Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord, Saint Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church in Rocky Hill, NJ, welcomed His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, for an archpastoral visit.

On Wednesday, February 16, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Holy Equal-of-the-Apostles Nicholas of Japan, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated Divine Liturgy on the occasion of his namesday in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

On the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan officiated the All-Night Vigil on Monday the 14th and celebrated Divine Liturgy on  Tuesday the 15th of February.

On Tuesday, February 15, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, His Grace, Bishop Jerome, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Nativity of the Mother of God Church at the New Kursk Root Hermitage in Mahopac, NY.

On Monday the 14th and Tuesday the 15th of February, the great feast of the Meeting of the Lord, Holy Presentation Church in Stratford, CT, celebrated its patronal feast day.

On Saturday, February 12, the feast of the Synaxis of the Three Holy Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, and John of Chrysostom was celebrated in the eponymous church in Hollywood, FL.

On Friday the 11th and Saturday the 12th of February, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, visited the Diocese of Chicago & Mid-America.

On Saturday, 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 Seminary.

On Wednesday, February 9, a delegation from the Ukrainian Orthodox Church, headed by Their Graces, Bishops Victor of Baryshevka and Dionysius of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky, visited the Synodal Residence of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in New York City.

On Sunday, February 6, the feast of the Synaxis of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of the Russian Church, His Grace, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Luke the Blessed Surgeon Church in Pompano Beach, FL, co-served by vicars of the Kiev Metropolia: Bishops Victor of Baryshevka and Dionysius of Pereyaslav-Khmelnitsky (Ukrainian Orthodox Church).

On Sunday, February 6, when the Holy Church honors the memory of the Synaxis of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in honor of the patronal feast day of the eponymous church in Brooklyn, NY.

On Saturday the 22nd and Sunday the 23rd of January, His Grace Nicholas, Bishop of Manhattan, paid an archpastoral visit to Holy Epiphany Church in Roslindale (Boston), MA to officiate the 50th anniversary celebrations of the church’s consecration. The visit was timed near the parish’s patronal feast – the great feast of the Theophany of the Lord, January 6/19.

On Sunday, February 6, the clergy and parishioners of Our Lady of Pochaev Church in North Port, FL celebrated the memory of the Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of the Russian Church. The rector, Archimandrite Stefan (Khilchuk), celebrated Divine Liturgy.

On January 30, the 32nd Sunday after Pentecost, and the date when the Holy Church honors the memory of Venerable Anthony the Great, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

The Youth Department of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia is proud to debut its newest project: the All North American Youth Conference. Due to the pandemic, there has not yet been an opportunity to organize an All-Diaspora Youth Conference

Festal celebrations were held in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City on the great feast of the Theophany of the Lord. On Tuesday, January 18, the Eve of Theophany, Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great and officiated the festal All-Night Vigil.

On Saturday, January 15, the commemoration of the repose and second finding of the relics of Venerable Seraphim of Sarov, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan visited Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY, on the occasion of the patronal feast day of its St. Seraphim Cathedral, and celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy.

A festal concert dedicated to Christ’s Nativity took place at St. Joseph of Optina Church in Virginia Beach, VA on Sunday, January 9. The Nativity concert started with a common prayer led by parish rector Priest Serge Kosov, who also addressed the audience with congratulations and good wishes. The sisterhood arranged a fine table for all of the guests.

On Friday, January 7, the clergy and faithful of the ROCOR Mission in Nicaragua came together at Monasterio de San Antonio el Grande in Río Negro, Boaco, to joyously greet the great feast of the Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ.

On Tuesday afternoon, January 11, Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan arrived at St. Nicholas Church in Endicott, NY, to officiate the funeral of Archpriest Stavros Rousos, who reposed in the Lord on January 3.

The celebration of Christ’s Radiant Nativity continues. On January 9, the Sunday after Nativity, of the Holy Ancestors of God, when the Church also celebrates the memory of the Holy Righteous Joseph the Betrothed, David the King, and the Apostle James, Brother of the Lord, Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

NEW! 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. 

The clergy and faithful of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City celebrated the great feast of the Nativity of Christ. Officiating the festal All-Night Vigil on Thursday the 6th and celebrating Divine Liturgy on Friday the 7th of January was Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan.

Beloved in the Lord archpastors, reverend presbyters and deacons, God-loving monks and nuns, dear brothers and sisters!

It is with profound gladness that I greet my Eminent fellow archpastors, reverend fathers, monastics, parishioners, and worshippers of our churches, scattered throughout the world, on the feasts of the Nativity of Christ, the Theophany of the Lord, and the New Year!

On Monday, January 3, Archpriest Stavros Rousos (retired cleric of St. Nicholas Church in Endicott, NY), reposed in the Lord after complications from the Coronavirus. He was 68 years old.

Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan celebrated the first Divine Liturgy of the New Year in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City on January 2, the Sunday before Christ’s Nativity, of the Holy Fathers.