Major Renovations Commence at Historic ROCOR Synod

Vladyka Nicholas speaks about the restoration project in a recently released video. Photo: ROCOR/YouTube

NEW YORK — On Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) released a video in which Met. Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, announced the commencement of major renovations at the historic Synod in New York City.

"I'm a bit scared to be honest, because it's very real now – when I saw the truck this morning, and the workers and the scaffolding being assembled," His Eminence said. "How will we do this? How will we pay for this? But I remember the words of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ: 'Peace be unto you. Fear not, little flock, for I am with you, and no one is against you.' I'm at peace because I know God is with us, and I know that you are with me."

The Synod is housed at the Baker Mansion at 75 East 93rd Street at the corner of Park Avenue. For the past 60 years, ROCOR has been the steward of the historic building. In recent years, nearly $200,000 worth of repairs and improvements have been made to counter wear and tear over the decades.

In August of last year, the fundraising campaign for the renovation of the synodal headquarters began — a place which not only serves as a home for bishops, priests, and the faithful, but also the Miraculous Kursk-Root Icon. Overall, the building contains the Synodal Cathedral, meeting room, the residences of the First Hierarch and staff, and the St. Sergius Chapel, where the daily cycle is performed and which serves as the English mission.

Archpriest Alexander Antchoutine, head of the renovation project, stated:

"Everyone should feel that synod is their home. As our beloved Metropolitan always mentions, 'This is home for all people and especially all the ROCOR parishioners. It's open every day of the week, and everyone could come here and pray.' I'm moved when I see people understand what we're trying to do and support it."

Since last August, just over $1 million has been raised through donations, and an architectural firm that specializes in historical restoration has been hired for the project. There have also been necessary plumbing and electrical updates. 

"There's a beauty. There's the historic value of the building, but the safety aspect, which is now being implemented everywhere and updated, gives me a sense of peace knowing that there should not be any problems or, God forbid, fires or disastrous situations," Met. Nicholas said.

The bridge work and scaffolding which will allow the construction crew to examine the brick more closely, clean salt stains, replace windows, and other relevant work, is underway.

"We need people to step up, do the good work that we're doing, and provide money for this very necessary next step and basically the start of the restoration of the building," Fr. Alexander said.

"The funds will be used to beautify this house of the Lord, this home of the Theotokos, this place of salvation," Met. Nicholas added.

UOJ-USA's own editor-in-chief, Ben Dixon, had this to say about his own visit to the synodal headquarters:

“It’s more than a building, it's very much alive. There’s always something going on, services every day, and the community is very active and welcoming - regardless of one’s background or language.”

Donations to the project can be made here.

Previously, UOJ reported that the Resurrection Orthodox Cathedral and Spiritual, Cultural and Music Center continues its fundraising and development toward becoming an oasis of Orthodoxy.

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