NEW YORK: 19 April 2023
Pascha at the Synodal Cathedral in New York

On the night of Sunday, April 16, 2023, the clergy and parishioners of the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York City celebrated the principal feast of the Christian world – Christ’s Glorious Resurrection.

Officiating the festal divine services was His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York. Concelebrating with the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad were: Cathedral Dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov (cleric of Our Lady of Kazan Church in Newark, NJ), Protodeacon Nicolas Mokhoff (cathedral cleric), and Hierodeacon Panteleimon (Jigalin; diocesan cleric).

The Synodal choir sang beautifully and prayerfully under the direction of conductor Vadim Gan. The services were held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora – the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, which recently returned from a visitation to the Diocese of Chicago and Mid-America.

Upon completion of midnight office, to the singing of "Do not lament Me, O Mother," the Shroud was taken into the altar. The clergy and faithful, holding lit candles and to the singing of "Thy Resurrection, O Christ Savior," processed around the courtyard of the Synodal mansion. Metropolitan Nicholas proclaimed the eternally living words: "Christ is Risen!" In the altar, the clergy changed their vestment colors and greeted the worshippers.

Paschal Matins concluded with Catechetical Sermon of St John Chrysostom, read by Metropolitan Nicholas, after which was celebrated Divine Liturgy. On this radiant day, virtually all of the parishioners and cathedral guests communed of Christ’s Holy Mysteries.

His Eminence then blessed the Artos, which will be distributed to the faithful after Divine Liturgy on Bright Saturday.

The cathedral sisterhood prepared a delicious Paschal mean for all, during which many warm words of greetings and well-wishes were spoken.

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