« Bishop Matthew celebrates Liturgy in St. Nicholas Cathedral »
19-11-2018 
On Sunday, November 18, the feast of St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow Confessor and the Fathers of the Local Council of the Church of Russia in 1917-1918, as well as the 116th anniversary of the Great Consecration of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, celebrated Divine Liturgy co-served by the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest Igor Tarasov and clerics of the Cathedral.
Before entering the church, the hierarch was greeted by representatives of the youth organization of St. Nicholas Cathedral.
During the augmented litany, petitions raised for the unity and the preservation of the Holy Orthodox Church from schism. After the litany, Bishop Matthew read the prayer for peace in Ukraine.
At the conclusion of the Liturgy, Bishop Matthew was greeted by cathedral cleric, Archpriest Alexander Golubov, who wished the newly appointed interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA the grace of his holy predecessor, St. Tikhon, who consecrated the cathedral more than a hundred years ago. In memory of his first Liturgy, Fr. Alexander presented Bishop Matthew an icon of the holy founders of the cathedral and the heavenly patrons of America. Then Bishop Matthew addressed the clergy and parishioners of the Cathedral, urging everyone to continue to carry out their ministry and testify of Orthodoxy in this holy church in conciliarity and brotherly love. At the end of the service, His Grace was warmly welcomed by the parishioners of the church. Bishop Matthew continued his interaction with the clergy and believers during a festal meal.
Later, the hierarch held a meeting with the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Archpriest Igor Tarasov, Treasurer Panagiotis Billis, and Secretary of the Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov).
Mospatusa.com / Sourozh.org