On April 12, 2026, the day of the Bright Resurrection of Christ (Holy Pascha), Paschal services were held at St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City.
At midnight, a procession (cross procession) began around the city block where the cathedral is located, accompanied by the singing of the Paschal Matins. Thanks to the assistance of the New York City police, traffic was temporarily closed, allowing many faithful to safely take part in the procession.
During the Divine Liturgy, celebrated by the cathedral clergy—Priest Anthony Kurakevich and Hieromonk John (Shefler), concelebrated by Protodeacon Igor Panachev and Deacon Alexei Golubov—the Paschal Gospel was read in Church Slavonic, Greek, English, Ukrainian, Belarusian, Bulgarian, French, Spanish, and Swedish.
After the communion verse, Abbot Nikodim (Balyasnikov) read aloud the Paschal message of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’.
Following the reception of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, the blessing of the Artos (Paschal bread) was performed. Fellowship among clergy, parishioners, and guests continued at a festive meal prepared by the cathedral sisterhood.
The liturgical hymns were performed by a large episcopal choir under the direction of regent Ksenia Vadimovna Afanasyeva. In selected works by Russian church composers, solo parts were performed by well-known soloists—Yana Besyadynskaya (soprano), Alexander Chaplinsky (baritone), and Pavel Roys (tenor).
Later that morning, a second (late) Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Abbot Nikodim (Balyasnikov), concelebrated by Protodeacon Igor Panachev and Deacon John Peters. After the Gospel reading, the Paschal homily of Saint John Chrysostom was proclaimed. Following the communion verse, Priest Anthony Kurakevich read the Paschal messages of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, temporary administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA and Canada.
At the Paschal Liturgies, more than 550 faithful received Holy Communion—the highest number recorded in recent years according to parish records.
After the services, the blessing of Paschal foods took place, followed by a festive meal offered to all parishioners and guests, prepared by the cathedral sisterhood.
That same evening, Great Paschal Vespers was served.
