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, co-served by members of the Council: Archbishops Gabriel of Montreal & Canada and Peter of Chicagsky & Mid-America, Bishops John of Caracas & South America, Nicholas of Manhattan, Irenei of London & Western Europe, Theodosius of Seattle, Alexander of Vevey, James of Sonora, and Job of Stuttgart.

Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America prayed in the altar.

The service was held under the aegis of the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God

At the end of Liturgy, a moleben was performed before the opening of the Council of Bishops.