On August 22, the 9th Sunday after Pentecost, 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.

Concelebrating with the hierarchs were: dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Edward Chervinsky and Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral clerics), Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cleric of Holy Dormition Convent "Novo-Diveevo" in Nanuet, NY), Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Zhigalin; diocesan cleric). Singing at the service was the combined Synodal choir and youth choir "Osanna" under the direction of John Arlievsky.

The parishioners of the cathedral who came to pray venerated the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, and many received Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon conclusion of Liturgy, Bishop Nicholas greeted the parishioners with the ongoing Dormition Fast, speaking on the great feasts that fall during this fast, as well as about special dates associated with the names of the servants of the Russian Church Abroad. August 10 is the day of the repose of Metropolitan Anthony (Khrapovitsky). This year marks the 85th anniversary of the repose of the first First Hierarch of ROCOR. The day of the Transfiguration of the Lord is also the birthday of the ever-memorable Metropolitan Anastassy (Gribanovsky).

August 9 is the feast day of the Great Martyr and Healer Panteleimon, is the namesday of Archimandrite Panteleimon (Nizhnik) – the founder of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville. August 20 is the day of the repose of his companion – Archimandrite Joseph (Kolos) and the day of the repose of another ascetic – Archimandrite Vladimir (Sukhobok), known to many believers to this day, whom he confessed and joyfully met in the monastery. August 21 is the date of the repose of Protodeacon Nikita Chakirov, assistant to Metropolitan Philaret (Voznesensky) and cleric of the Cathedral of the Sign. All these people lived in difficult times. Forced to leave their homeland, they preserved its culture, language, and liturgical rubrics, and remain an example of faith for today's Christians.

The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad thanked the members of the choir, who adorned the service with their singing. Then the clergy and parishioners went into the church hall, where the sisterhood of the cathedral arranged a lenten meal for everyone.