OCA and ROCOR Primates Concelebrate Sunday of the Cross
Orthodox leaders in the OCA and ROCOR visibly strengthen unity through shared worship and exchange of sacred gifts.
NEW YORK — The primates of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR) concelebrated the Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of the Cross at the ROCOR Cathedral of the Sign, marking a visible sign of unity between the two jurisdictions.
His Beatitude Metr. Tikhon and His Eminence Metr. Nicholas were joined by clergy from both Churches. The faithful gathered in large numbers, including parishioners and visitors, many of whom received Holy Communion during the service. Also present was the wonderworking Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God, long venerated as the protectress of the Russian diaspora.
Following the Liturgy and veneration of the Cross, Metr. Nicholas delivered a homily emphasizing the power of the Cross to overcome trials through hope in Christ. The service concluded with an exchange of gifts between the hierarchs, as Metr. Nicholas presented a Jerusalem-made cross to Metr. Tikhon, who in turn offered a relic of St. Olga of Alaska.
A Lenten meal hosted by the cathedral sisterhood brought the celebration to a close, fostering fellowship among the faithful.
Previously, the UOJ reported that that Metr. Nicholas celebrated the Triumph of Orthodoxy in New York.
