It's time for the Blessing of the Animals, that magical day when your pawed, clawed, taloned and hooved friends get a little ecclesial affection.
The event at St. John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Ave.) is the city's most popular with an in-person service, then an outdoor festival. It's on Sunday, October 1 from 10:30am-3pm. This year, the celebration includes the return of the beloved Procession of Animals, which has not been held at the Cathedral since 2018 because of a fire in the Cathedral in 2019 and pandemic-era changes after that. Expect to see tortoises, camels, crowned cranes, sloths and more proceeding down the length of the Cathedral's nave.
After the service, head outside for activities and blessings to all the furry, feathered, or scaly companions. Local neighborhood organizations and environmental programs will be featured at the fair, and pet owners are invited to immortalize their day with pet portrait photography.
