On Saturday July 2, on the day of commemoration of St. John, Archbishop of Shanghai and San Francisco, the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes, His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk celebrated his name day. On that occasion he led the Divine Liturgy in St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York.

His Grace was co-served by the Dean of the Eastern States and Rector of St. George Church, Archpriest Igor Tarasov and clerics of the Cathedral. 

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the clergy proceeded before the icon of the holy Hierarch containing a piece of St. John’s Holy Relics and performed a short prayer service. Afterwards, on behalf of the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes, Fr. Igor congratulated Bishop John on his name day. 

Interaction between the clergy and faithful continued in the cathedral’s refectory where a luncheon was served. A toast in honor of His Grace was made and the traditional Polychronion (“Mnogaia leta!”) was sung by the clergy and faithful present.