The first week of Great Lent in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City began with the reading of the Penitential Canon of St. Andrew of Crete. On Clean Monday, March 2, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York led the reading of the Canon; on Tuesday, March 3, the reading was led by diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan.

On Wednesday, March 4, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad celebrated the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in the Cathedral of the Sign, co-served by Bishop Nicholas and cathedral clergy. The Synodal choir sang under the direction of Protodeacon Vadim Gan. Present at the services for veneration by the faithful was the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God.

On March 8, the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Metropolitan Hilarion will celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great in the presence of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora ‒ the Kursk Root Icon. Upon completion of the service, His Eminence will lead the Rite of Orthodoxy.