On Friday, September 11, the Feast of the Beheading of the Forerunner of the Lord John and the 25th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in New York City, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Sergius Chapel at the Synodal Headquarters.
Concelebrating with His Eminence were Eastern American Diocesan vicar Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan, deputy secretary of the Synod of Bishops, and Archpriest Andrei Sommer, dean of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign and Vice President of the Synodal Youth Department.
The service was held in the presence of a cross made from steel taken from the first tower of the World Trade Center, which was donated to the parish community of the cathedral. At the end of the service, His Metropolitan Nicholas expressed the hope that this cross would serve to strengthen faith, bring healing, and offer comfort to all Orthodox Christians in New York City and to all those affected by the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
In conclusion, His Eminence noted that humans are called not to destroy, but to create and participate in the divine life of the Creator, in order to partake in God’s beauty and holiness. "May the Lord help us in this," the Metropolitan wished to everyone present.
