In the feast of Nativity of St John the Baptist 7 new icons were consecrated for the Cathedral of Brooklyn
On 7 July, in the day of Nativity of St. John the Baptist, the Cathedral of Brooklyn dedicated to St. John the Baptist, celebrated its small patronal feast.

In that day the festive service was headed by Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada.

His Excellency has been greeted by Dean of First Deanery of New York and Rector of the Cathedral Archpriest Alexander Belya, who during his complimentary address emphasized the importance of person of St. John the Forerunner for the whole world, because he was, according to St. Isaiah the Prophet: “The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Is. 40:3).

The parishioners received Archbishop Gabriel warmly, what made the festive atmosphere more comfortable.

Archbishop Gabriel and Archpriest Alexander celebrated the Divine Liturgy together with Archpriest George Kallaur (the Rector of church of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”), Archpriest Peter Zgoba (the clergyman of church of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy”), Priest Pavel Ivanov (Rector of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers church), Hieromonk Photius (Oulanov) (clergyman of church of the Intercession of the Holy Virgin, Glen Cove), Protodeacon Nicolay Mokhoff and Deacon Dionysius Lvoff (clergymen of the Cathedral of Theotokos of the Sign), Deacon Petr Utkin (clergyman of the Cathedral of St. John the Forerunner).

At the end of worship the festive prayer service to St. John the Baptist was performed, and then Archbishop Gabriel appealed with a didactical words to those present in the Cathedral. He described the meaning of the feast of Nativity of St. John the Baptist and correct acceptance of it by believers. The Hierarch admitted that he did not expect to see so many people in the church during the weekday, and noticed that Cathedral of Brooklyn became much more beautiful and grandeur in a short time.

Replying, the Archpriest Alexander greeted His Excellency the Archbishop Gabriel with the anniversary of his Episcopal ordination, which had place at the same date 19 years ago. Father Rector quoted the words of St. John the Baptist: “Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand”, and everyone have to remember this phrase, and use it like guidance for living in God. Also father Alexander expressed his thankfulness to clergymen who shared a common prayer in this festive day.

New icons were consecrated for the Cathedral during the service: St. John of Shanghai, St. Seraphim of Sarov and Sergius of Radonezh, painted at Holy Dormition Kyiv Pechersk Lavra. Also there were consecrated the icons of four Evangelists; they will be installed on the arch and illuminated from beneath.