On August 28, 2026, the feast of the Dormition of our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York.
Concelebrating with the archpastor were the clergy of the cathedral, as well as the rector of St. George Church in Bayside, New York, Priest Rodion Shamazov, and the cleric of that church, Deacon Andrew Malyshev. Many parishioners and guests prayed at the service.
During the Liturgy, Bishop Matthew ordained cathedral Subdeacon Igor Zayets to the diaconate.
After Holy Communion, the archpastor and concelebrating clergy sang the glorification of the feast before the Shroud of the Mother of God and, together with the faithful, sang the prayer “My Most Gracious Queen.”
At the end of the service, Bishop Matthew addressed those gathered with a sermon and congratulated them on the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. The archpastor addressed words of guidance to the newly ordained Deacon Igor and wished him the almighty help of God and the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in his ministry. In memory of this day, Bishop Matthew gave Deacon Igor a prosphora of the Theotokos and presented him with a Service Book.
Fellowship between the bishop, clergy and parishioners continued at a festive meal prepared by the parish sisterhood.
