Save the date and join the celebration!
This meaningful service will honor the legacy of the Reverend Absalom Jones, the first African American priest ordained in the Episcopal Church, whose groundbreaking ministry paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive priesthood. A reception in the Cathedral nave will follow the service.
This Service will be streamed live on the on the Diocese’s YouTube page beginning at 10:30 a.m.
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Eucharist at 10:30 AM
Cathedral of St. John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10025
Host
The Very Reverend Winnie Varghese
Dean of the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine
Celebrant
The Rt. Rev. Matthew F. Heyd
17th Bishop of New York
Preacher
The Rt. Rev. Carlye J. Hughes
11th Bishop of Newark
Featured Performers & Youth Participants:
- The Absalom Jones Festival Choir
- The Christ Church New Brighton Community Youth Choir of Staten Island, directed by Jana Ballard
- Artists from Jazz House Kids of Montclair, New Jersey (Dr. Darrell Smith, coordinator / Christian McBride, founder)
- Dancers from the Jamel Gaines Creative Outlet Dance Company.
- POET GOLD, 2017 Dutchess County Poet Laureate
- Derrick D. Cross, Beatboxer/Spoken Word Artist of the Electric Company and Artist in Residence at New Jersey Performing Arts Center
You can click below to donate to the Absalom Jones Fund for Episcopal HBCUs.
Registration for general attendees not required.
Donate
If the sign-up requests names then make sure everyone’s name is listed. A church can submit more than one form. To be acknowledged in the service bulletin the form must be completed by Friday, January 17th .
