« Meeting of the clergy of the Diocese Sourozh »
24-09-2011 
On Saturday, September 24 the clergy of the Diocese of Sourozh took part in a hierarchical diocesan liturgy at the Cathedral of the Dormition in London, at which Archbishop Elisey of Sourozh presided. In his words of greeting at the end of the liturgy, the Archbishop encouraged the diocesan clergy to continue their selfless pastoral ministry, which is the priest’s highest responsibility. ‘Sometimes we are told that we should be peacemakers in society. This is not quite right,’ said the archbishop, ‘we should not only offer comfort, but wake people up, urging them to spiritual struggle in order to reach the Kingdom of God. ‘
After the service, Archbishop Elisey congratulated Irina Kirillova, who has laboured for the good of the Sourozh diocese for many years, on the occasion of her eightieth birthday.
Following a meal, an ordinary meeting of the diocesan clergy took place in the cathedral library, chaired by Archbishop Elisey, who invited the clergy to discuss issues relating to the parishes of the diocese. Before the general discussion, the diocesan hierarch talked about the main aspects of current church life and the decisions of the Diocesan Council.
The preliminary programme of events celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the diocese next year, was discussed with interest, as well as the idea of the formation of a diocesan theological school.
In the following discussion, the participants had a lively and interesting discussion about the problems faced by small parishes, and forms and methods of encouraging parishioners to participate in the life and affairs of the church community. Opinions were expressed about the need to work for the construction or acquisition of church buildings in which the community could feel at home.
Archbishop Elisey instructed the rectors of parishes to ensure that services were celebrated every Sunday and on feast days, wherever this was possible.
Increasing participation in church singing is one of the important tasks of any parish, which also has a missionary significance. In this regard, the meeting approved the holding of church singing workshops, the soonest of which will be held from November 12-13 in Manchester.
An important consideration was careful adherence to the liturgical practice of the Russian Orthodox Church. After a lively discussion Archbishop Elisey decided to establish a diocesan "hot line" on topical issues of church typicon, and to appoint a special diocesan officer responsible for urgent consultations on liturgical matters. The archbishop also asked the priests to contact him personally over complex matters.
Other issues relating to the parishes of the diocese and features of pastoral practice within it were also discussed at the meeting.