« The Fourteenth Congress of the Clergy and Laity of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States of America began under the chairmanship of Bishop Matthew »

On September 30, the XIV Congress of the clergy and laity of the Moscow Patriarchate parishes in the United States began its work under the chairmanship of Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, temporary manager of Patriarchal parishes in the USA and Canada. The meeting is taking place at the Spiritual and Educational Center of the Antioch Archbishopric (Antiochian Village, Pennsylvania).

The meeting began with a moleben at the St.Peter and St.Paul House Church, served by Vladyka Matthew, assisted by Archpriest Igor Tarasov, Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, and Archpriest Alexander Golubov, clergyman of the New York Cathedral.  A lithya was also served with remembrance of the deceased clergy and lay people.

After the service, Vladyka greeted those present and wished everyone successful and productive work.  The meeting expressed a wish to ask for blessing from His Holiness Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia, the Ruling Bishop of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, and adopted the text of a telegram that was sent to His Holiness.

Bishop Matthew presented to the participants of the Congress candidates to the posts of the secretary of the meeting, vice-chairmen and heads of the committees, which were approved by vote.

Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA presented the schedule of the Congress and the procedure for its holding.

The meeting is being attended by over 50 clergy and laity, who represent 27 out of the 33 Patriarchal parishes in the United States and Mexico.

At the invitation of Vladyka Matthew, the Congress is attended by Priest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Secretary  of the Sourozh  Diocese and Priest John Kazadoev, Rector of the parish of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Galway and of the diocesan community of St. Tikhon, Patriarch of Moscow, in Castlebar, Republic of Ireland.

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