On March 23, the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, that of the Cross, 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 cathedral clerics: dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov, Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky.

The Synodal choir sang beautifully 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.

Upon completion of the service, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the faithful with a sermon on the meaning of the Cross in the life of a Christian.

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