NEW YORK: 30 October 2026
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad receives clergy and pilgrims from the Church of the Nativity of the Mother of God in the state capitol

On October 25, 2026, the 21st Sunday after Pentecost and the day when the Holy Church commemorates the Holy Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council, His EminenceMetropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and 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: Archpriest Alexis Duncan (Rector of Nativity of the Mother of God Church in Albany, NY), Cathedral Dean Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Archpriest Vasily Zelenyuk (rector of Our Lady "Unexpected Joy" Church on Staten Island, NY), and cathedral clerics Archpriest Seraphim Chemodakov, Hieromonk Theognost (Kogan), and Protodeacon Serge Arlievsky.

The Synodal choir sang at Liturgy under the direction of conductor Vadim Gan.

A large number of parishioners and faithful from other churches gathered at the cathedral to pray and commune of Christ’s Holy Mysteries. Pilgrims from the Nativity of the Mother of God also participated, serving in the altar and praying at Liturgy.

Upon conclusion of the service, His Eminence addressed parishioners with a sermon on the Gospel reading about the widow who was burying her only son, and her encounter with Jesus Christ.

"Lamentation and joy. Anguish and hope. Suffering and compassion. Death and life. It is hard to imagine what this widow was going through. Yet there was a funeral procession, and there were people supporting her; she was not alone. Those around her knew the family and offered their support. There is a lesson here for us: we should surround ourselves with kind people – like-minded individuals, fellow Christians – because when difficult times arise, they are the ones who will be able to understand us, support us, and pray for us. While we may have many acquaintances and loved ones, within the life of the Church it is vital to have a spiritual, church-oriented circle of people. I am certain that in the challenging moments of our own lives, such people will be by our side. Christ encounters this widow – the mother of a deceased son – and shows her compassion.

"The Lord often manifested compassion before performing miracles. And here, seeing this profound grief, He says to the young man, ‘Arise!’ The deceased rises, begins to speak, and everyone rejoices. A great miracle! The mother bore her sorrow with humility and followed all the customary observances, and she found support. The Lord brings her comfort. If we, too, accept everything the Lord sends us with our whole heart, deepening our prayers and our trust in God’s mercy and salvation, we will surely derive great benefit. Conversely, if one chooses to walk away, passing judgment and offering criticism, all while neglecting prayer, one only becomes increasingly lost. It is not always easy, but with God, all things are possible."

A traditional luncheon was held in the cathedral hall, attended by the pilgrims from Albany. Metropolitan Nicholas spoke to the pilgrims about the Synodal Cathedral and its divine services, highlighting the significance of such experiences for the faithful.