On March 9, the first Sunday of Great Lent, dedicated to the Triumph of Orthodoxy, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America & New York celebrated Divine Liturgy in the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City.

Concelebrating with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were: Archpriests Andrei Sommer (cathedral dean), Elias Gorsky (rector of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, NY), and Seraphim Chemodakov, Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky (cathedral clerics).

The Synodal choir sang wonderfully under the direction of conductor Vadim S. Gan.

Liturgy was held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. Located in the center of the church was an icon of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow.”

Many parishioners of the cathedral gathered to pray at the divine service, joined by faithful from other churches. Most communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

Upon completion of Liturgy, Metropolitan Nicholas officiated the Rite of Orthodoxy, which is traditionally performed in the centner of the church. Joining the celebrating clergy for the Rite was Archpriest Mark Burachek (dean of the Hudson Vally). Fr. Serge Arlievsky proclaimed the Rite of Orthodoxy.

In the cathedral hall, the sisterhood prepared a lenten luncheon, during which the clergy and parishioners continued their interaction.