On June 6, the Sunday of the Blind Man, the last of the Paschal period, Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City, co-served by diocesan vicar Bishop Nicholas of Manhattan, cathedral dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Edward Chervinsky and Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral clerics), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

The Synodal choir sang the divine service beautifully under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan. Liturgy was held under the aegis of the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. A multitude of parishioners prayed at the service, many of whom confessed their sins and communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Bishop Nicholas addressed those gathered with a sermon on the feast.

His Grace noted how important it is to preserve Paschal joy and always thank God for the life He has given us, and for the fact that the Lord, despite any hardships or illnesses we may be sent, constantly opens our eyes and supports us.

Bishop Nicholas also spoke about the visitation of the wonderworking icon to the Western American Diocese’s St. Nicholas Diocesan Cathedral in Seattle, WA for its patronal feast day.

The cathedral sisterhood then organized a luncheon for the clergy and faithful.