NEW YORK: 16 February, 2026
Celebrations dedicated to the namesday of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad

On Monday, February 16, 2026, on the day of commemoration of St Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan, Equal-to-the-Apostles, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Synodal Cathedral of Our Lady “of the Sign” in New York City.

Metropolitan Nicholas was joined by His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan, His Grace Bishop Spyridon of Toronto, and His Grace Bishop Jerome (Shaw), Cathedral Dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, clergy of the Eastern American and Canadian Dioceses, and guests in holy orders. The service was conducted under the sacred aegis of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God, and accompanied by the joyful singing of the Synodal Choir.

At the conclusion of the service, Archbishop Gabriel greeted Metropolitan Nicholas on behalf of the Synod of Bishops, wishing him the almighty help of God in his Primatial ministry. Then, Bishop Theodosius read the greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and from the entire consecrated assembly of archpastors and pastors who concelebrated on that day, after which Many Years were proclaimed.

At the festive meal, Archpriest Serafim Gan conveyed greetings from His Beatitude Metropolitan Rostislav of the Czech Lands and Slovakia and Metropolitan Herman of Kursk and Rylsk, noting that on this day the Primate's office had received a number of congratulations from the Heads of Local Orthodox Churches, hierarchs, and figures of the Orthodox world. Then, warmly greeting His Eminence on behalf of the staff of the Chancery of the Holy Synod, the clergy, parishioners, and worshipers of St Seraphim Memorial Church in Sea Cliff, NY, Fr Serafim presented His Eminence Nicholas with a newly published brochure entitled: "A Guide for Clergy and Church Servants in the Service of the Divine Liturgy of the Metropolitans of Harbin and Manchuria and the Cathedral Service of the Clergy of the Nikolaev City-Harbin Cathedral."

Warm words of greeting were delivered by the Warden of the Synodal Cathedral, Sergey Borisovich Yakushin, and members of the cathedral sisterhood, as well as by Archpriest Serge Lukianov and Archpriest Alexander Anchoutine, clergy, and representatives of the youth of Holy Trinity Cathedral in Toronto, presenting His Eminence with commemorative gifts.

At the end of the meal, His Eminence Metropolitan received congratulations from the clergy, parishioners, and pilgrims who participated in the celebrations, expressing his gratitude to everyone and invoking God's blessing upon all.

Photos: Reader VV Gaberman