The Cathedral of the Incarnation was filled with music, prayer, and celebration on Sunday October 18th, as the Episcopal Diocese of Long Island gathered for Festal Evensong and the formal Welcome and Seating of the Ninth Bishop, the Rt. Rev. Adam J. Shoemaker.
The festive service marked the official start of Bishop Shoemaker’s public ministry as diocesan shepherd. The liturgy began with a striking tradition as Bishop Shoemaker delivered three distinct knocks on the Cathedral doors with his traveling crozier before being warmly welcomed inside by the Very Rev. Dr. Michael Sniffen, Dean of the Cathedral, alongside the assembled clergy and congregation.
The service featured key historic traditions, including the formal Recognition by the people, the Investiture of the bishop’s spiritual and temporal responsibilities, his oath of office, and his formal seating in the cathedra—the bishop's chair that symbolizes teaching authority and pastoral care.
The Cathedral Choir, directed by Canon Martin Green, provided music for the Evensong, featuring choral works by Martin Neary, Edgar Day, T. Tertius Noble, and Benjamin Britten.
During his homily, Bishop Shoemaker shared a personal reflection on the full-circle nature of the day, expressing deep gratitude for the journey that brought him back to his home diocese.
"It is a deeply humbling thing, for a kid from Huntington who was confirmed as a teenager by the seventh bishop of this great diocese… to now be formally seated in my cathedra as the ninth Bishop of Long Island," Bishop Shoemaker reflected, honoring his roots and his late mother, Jamie, who first nurtured his love for the Episcopal Church and its diverse community.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Shoemaker outlined three foundational scriptural truths to guide the diocese's shared future:
The Bishop is Not God: The bishop is called to serve, guide, and continuously point the community toward the redemptive love of Jesus Christ.
The Love of Jesus is Paramount: Echoing former Presiding Bishop Michael Curry, Bishop Shoemaker reminded attendees that "if it's not about love, it's not about God."
Mission Belongs to the Whole Church: Shared ministry is the responsibility of all the baptized working together as co-laborers in God’s vineyard.
Concluding his message with the words of Saint Augustine, "For you I am a bishop; with you I am a Christian," Bishop Shoemaker invited all members of the diocese to walk forward together in unity, service, and unconditional love.
We invite you to view the full recording of the service, as well as Bishop Shoemaker's homily, and photos from the day by Jennifer A. Uihlien below.
Event Photography
Photos by: Jennifer A. Uihlien, Girl in a Camera Productions