A COVID-19 Prayer Vigil at St. John the Divine

On Monday, October 19, at 5:30 p.m., the Cathedral of St. John the Divine hosted a spiritual gathering described as Mourning Into Unity, a prayer vigil and candlelit procession marking the increasing toll of COVID-19 across the country and the world.

Speakers including the Rt. Rev. Andrew M.L. Dietsche, Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of NY and the Rt. Rev. Clifton Daniel III, Dean, Cathedral of St. John the Divine, guided local residents in mourning for those lost to the pandemic, racist violence and increasingly dangerous political violence. Community members expressed why it is so important to save space to mourn. The vigil was a night of healing, strength, and determination.

These other interfaith and community leaders were also in attendance:

· The Rev. Dr. Chloe Breyer, Executive Director, The Interfaith Center of New York

· Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Executive Vice-President, New York Board of Rabbis

· The Rev. Karim Kamara, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Faith Based Initiatives

· Sen. Brian A. Benjamin, New York State Senator for District 30

· Mr. Philip Binioris, The Hungarian Pastry Shop

· Dr. David Langer Chair, Department of Neurosurgery, Northwell Health, Lenox Hill Hospital

· Mr. Vincent Alvarez President, AFL-CIO, New York City Central Labor Council