On August 28, 2026, the feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City.
Concelebrating with the hierarch were the cathedral clergy, as well as Priest Rodion Shamazov and Deacon Andrei Malyshev (rector & cleric of St. George Church in Bayside, NY respectively). A multitude of parishioners and guests prayed at the service.
During the Liturgy, Bishop Matthew ordained the cathedral’s subdeacon, Igor Zayets, to the diaconate.
After the reception of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, the hierarch and the concelebrating clergy performed a short moleben before the shroud of the Mother of God and, together with the congregation, sang the prayer "O Most Gracious Queen."
At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Matthew addressed the assembly with a sermon and offered congratulations on the Feast of the Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos. The hierarch offered words of counsel to the newly ordained Deacon Igor, wishing him the all-powerful aid of God and the intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos in his ministry. To mark the occasion, Bishop Matthew presented Deacon Igor with a prosphora dedicated to the Mother of God and a service book.
Fellowship among the hierarch, clergy, and parishioners continued during a festive meal prepared by the parish sisterhood.
