NEW YORK: 4 March 2024
The Synodal Choir gives a concert to benefit the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem and the “Peace Be Unto You” fund of the Primate of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church

On Friday evening, March 1, 2024, a benevolent concert entitled "…and Peace on Earth - Sacred Works: Prayers for Peace" was held in the Synodal Cathedral “of the Sign” in New York City. The concert’s primary objective was to raise funds for relief organizations providing aid to those suffering from war in Ukraine and the Holy Land – especially the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

Over 150 attendees nestled into the cathedral, which was mostly darkened, adorned only by candlelight owing to the somber, prayerful nature of the event. The guest of honor was His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of ROCOR, joined by clergy, parishioners, and guests of the Carnegie Hill neighborhood.

The 27-person choir sang masterfully under the direction of Vadim Gan. Many of the choristers themselves are descendants of émigrés from the areas affected by the war, which added to the profound nature of the performance.

The program was divided into four parts. Hymns of the Angels, which evocated the hopeful nature of peace and joy from the Matins service and that of Christ’s Nativity. The second, Hymns of Supplication, was denoted by pieces such as Kedrov’s Great Litany, which headlines each divine service, entreating Christ in prayer for peace of the whole world. The third, Hymns of Praise and Thanks, reminded the concertgoers of God’s infinite wisdom and the knowing that "through Him, all things are possible." The final part, entitled Contemplation and Hope, was the culmination of the concert, remembering those who perished in the wars throughout the world and that their memories are forever, eternal.

The audience, in grateful thanks to the performers, gave a long, resounding applause at the conclusion of the concert.

A reception was held in the Synodal Hall, prepared excellently by G&B Events, where interaction amongst clergy, choristers and new friends continued throughout the evening.