On November 4, 2024, on the day of the celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, and the temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the parish of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia in Newark, New Jersey, on the occasion of the patronal feast.
The bishops were assisted by the rector of the church, Archpriest Mark Burachek, and a council of clergy of the Eastern American Diocese and parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA.
At the end of the service, Metropolitan Nikolai addressed the participants of the service with a sermon and cordially congratulated the rector, clergy and laity of the Kazan Church on the patronal feast. The First Hierarch warmly greeted Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, wishing his brother a blessed stay on American soil and God's help in his archpastoral labors.
Bishop Matthew thanked the Metropolitan and the rector of the church for the opportunity to celebrate the Liturgy in this holy church on this festive day, and also conveyed to those gathered the blessing and good wishes on behalf of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill.
As a gift to Bishop Nicholas, the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes presented a holy panagia, expressing gratitude for the constant fraternal support and assistance of the Hierarchy of the Russian Church Abroad to the flock of His Holiness in North America, during the past difficult years of various restrictions related to the epidemic, which prevented personal communication and joint worship services.
The communication between the hierarchs, clergy, parishioners and guests of the holiday continued over a meal prepared through the efforts of the parish sisterhood.
