On October 6, the 15th Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church celebrates the Conception of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner, and Baptist of the Lord John, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City. Concelebrating with His Eminence were cathedral clerics: dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer and Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov.

Singing at the service was the Synodal choir under the direction of Isaiah Trofimenko.

Praying at Liturgy were cathedral parishioners and faithful from other churches. Many communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed those gathered with a sermon on the Epistle reading of the day, calling on them to turn more often to Holy Scripture and to guard their hearts. Speaking of the conception of St. John the Baptist, His Eminence noted the importance of heeding the words of the prophet regarding repentance and hope in the Savior, as his parents had done.

Metropolitan Nicholas likewise called on all present to pray for those suffering from hurricane damage in the south of the country.

The sisterhood organized a luncheon for the clergy and faithful in the cathedral hall, where their interaction continued.