Over 200 people attended the contemplative prayer gathering in April 2025 during the Cathedral’s “Moon as Sacred Mirror” residency.
The Cathedral is launching a new series of candlelit contemplative prayer gatherings this winter and spring, part of a reimagined vision for spiritual formation under newly appointed Subdean Canon Adam Bucko. Bucko’s appointment marks a fresh direction for the Subdean role, which will now focus primarily on supporting the prayer life and spiritual formation of the Cathedral community, complementing the pastoral care already offered by clergy.
“Especially in these demanding times, the church is called to be a place where we can dwell in God’s presence, be tended and grounded there, and be formed to become a healing presence in the world,” said Bucko. “Intimacy with God is not reserved for a few, but is the birthright of every person.”
Dean Michael Sniffen expressed enthusiasm for this new direction. “Adam brings a rare combination of deep contemplative practice and a genuine heart for making prayer accessible to all people,” Sniffen said. “His vision for the subdean role will help us grow as a community rooted in God’s presence, even as we hold many differences of experience and conviction.”
The Cathedral’s long history of welcoming people of all denominations, as well as those who are questioning faith or seeking meaning but do not have a spiritual home within an organized religion, is expressed in its understanding of itself as a House of Prayer for Long Island. “The Cathedral community is meeting all people wherever they may be on their journey with this new contemplative prayer series,” Sniffen remarked. “It is a perfect time to engage in this meaningful work with Canon Adam.”
Bucko, who also serves as Abbot of the Community of the Incarnation – a new monastic community birthed at the Cathedral and now serving people across the country – believes that contemplative practice forms the foundation of community life. “What holds us together is not agreement, but prayer,” Bucko explained. “As we gather again and again, bringing all that we have and all that we are into God’s presence, we learn to remain close and to listen more deeply. From that shared practice of contemplation, our life together and our life in the world are shaped.”
The gatherings will be held on three evenings this spring: March 4, April 15, and May 6. Each will draw on the Cathedral’s sacred atmosphere—a space shaped by generations of prayer—with gentle guidance into silence and receptivity.
The May 6 gathering will be particularly special, taking place under Luke Jerram’s “Gaia” sculpture, a stunning 20-foot diameter representation of earth suspended from the Cathedral’s nave ceiling. Bucko will co-lead this event with Canon Kris Vieira, co-founder of the Center for Spiritual Imagination.
Following each gathering, Bucko will offer individual appointments for those interested in exploring their own prayer life and spiritual journey more deeply.
“These evenings are open to all, whether you are new to this kind of prayer or have practiced it for many years,” Bucko said. “Just come as you are – we look forward to praying with you.”
For more information contact the Cathedral office at cathedral@incarnationgc.org or to register please visit the links at linktr.ee/incarnationgc
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