On February 16, 2023, the feast of St. Nicholas, Archbishop of Japan, the name day of the First Hierarch of ROCOR, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, was solemnly celebrated at the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign of the Russian Church Outside of Russia in New York.
The Divine Liturgy was led by Metropolitan Nicholas, concelebrating with Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada, Bishop John of Caracas and Bishop Theodosius of Seattle. The hierarchs were joined by a host of clergy of the Russian Church Outside of Russia, as well as the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and rector of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, and the Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Priest Mark Rashkov.
During the communion verse, in the altar of the Synodal Cathedral, on behalf of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ and of Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Fr. Igor congratulated Metropolitan Nicholas on the feast of his heavenly patron and presented him with a gift lampada.
The Synodal Choir under the direction of choir director Vadim Gan sang at the Liturgy. Parishioners of the Cathedral of the Sign and of other Russian Orthodox churches in New York and its surroundings gathered to pray at the service and congratulate the Metropolitan on his name day.
After the Liturgy a short moleben was served. Then a festive banquet was held in the cathedral hall.
