NEW YORK: 21 July, 2025
The First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad led the patronal festivities of the English-speaking mission at the Synodal Residence

On Friday, July 18, 2025, the day of the discovery of the relics of Saint Sergius, the Abbot and Miracle-worker of Radonezh, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York led Divine Liturgy at the lower St Sergius of Radonezh Church at the Synodal Residence in New York. In this temple, consecrated in honor of the heavenly patron of the late benefactor of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Sergei Semenenko, who donated the Synodal residence in the 1950s, a full cycle of services is conducted daily in Church Slavonic, and on Sundays and feast days by the English-speaking community, led by Fr Zosimas (Krampis).

His Eminence was joined by Hegumen Zosimas and guests in holy orders, with Protodeacon Sergey Arlievsky, with the joyful singing of the choir of the English-speaking mission and a large gathering of worshipers, who were offered communion from two chalices. After the service, Metropolitan Nicholas addressed the congregation with a pastoral sermon on the significance of the feast and the ministry of St Sergius, who united Russia during the difficult times of the Tatar-Mongol yoke.

Even today, St Sergius continues to unite the Orthodox Christian faithful, who honor his memory and strive to fulfill his commandments in their lives.

Bestowing decrees of gratitude to several parishioners, His Eminence called down God's blessings upon Fr Zosimas and the entire English-speaking mission of the Synodal residence, wishing them further success and heavenly assistance.

The communication between the Primatial Hierarch, the clergy, and the pilgrims continued at a fraternal meal.