A prayer vigil this evening outside Most Holy Redeemer

Community members will gather this evening at 7 outside Most Holy Redeemer-Church of the Nativity on Third Street for a prayer vigil. 

The event, the first of which started last Friday evening, is organized by the Facebook group Save Most Holy Redeemer Historical Church. 

The vigils follow July's announcement that weekly masses at Most Holy Redeemer will end after Sunday. Going forward, the church will host only occasional ceremonies such as weddings and funerals.

Parishioners are being directed to St. Brigid's on Avenue B for regular services. Church leaders cited a shortage of priests and the deteriorating condition of the building, including falling plaster, as reasons for the shift. 

Meanwhile, Village Preservation, the Lower East Side Preservation Initiative, and the East Village Community Coalition are pushing for landmark status for the 1851 church, its rectory, and former school to protect them from redevelopment.

Supporters argue the complex is a vital part of the neighborhood's cultural and architectural heritage. 

The prayer vigils will continue here Friday evenings this fall.

Find the petition here. 

Previously on EV Grieve: 

• At the prayer vigil for Most Holy Redeemer 

• Push continues to landmark East Village’s historic Most Holy Redeemer 

• Most Holy Redeemer to halt regular masses this fall amid uncertainty about its future