His Holiness KIRILL, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’, sent a greeting to the clergy, parishioners and participants in the celebrations marking the 120th anniversary of the great consecration of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York.
To the participants in the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the great consecration of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York
Your Eminence!
Venerable fathers, dear brothers and sisters!
I cordially greet all of you gathered for the celebration of the 120th anniversary of the great consecration of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York.
At the beginning of the last century, through the labors of Bishop Tikhon (Bellavin), the future Primate of the Russian Church, and Protopresbyter Alexander Hotovitzky, a majestic church was erected in the center of North America’s largest city, which became a true home for believers of different nationalities who found spiritual consolation here.
There have been different periods in the history of St. Nicholas Cathedral: sadly, the tragic events that shook our Homeland affected it as well. For several decades the church was occupied by the Renovationists, and the community that remained faithful to the Moscow Patriarchate was expelled — and found shelter in a nearby Presbyterian church. All the disorders were finally overcome only in the middle of the last century. Since then the cathedral has become the spiritual center of the representation of the Russian Orthodox Church on the American continent. It is gratifying to note that St. Nicholas Cathedral fulfills this important purpose to this day.
I have had the opportunity to visit this cathedral many times. I warmly remember my services within its walls and my fellowship with the clergy and parishioners.
Sharing with all of you the joy of this celebration, I prayerfully wish you good health and the unfailing help of God as you continue on the path of salvation. Through the intercession of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra in Lycia, St. Tikhon, Patriarch of All Russia, and Hieromartyr Alexander Hotovitzky, may the Lord preserve you all in peace and like-mindedness.
KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUS’