« Metropolitan Anthony of Korsun and Western Europe, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe headed the Liturgy in the Dormition Cathedral in London »

On August 14, 2019, on the feast of the Procession of the Precious Wood of the Life-giving Cross of the Lord and memorial day of the seven martyrs of the Maccabees, Metropolitan Anthony of Korsun and Western Europe, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe, Head of the Directorate for Institutions Abroad of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA and Canada, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Dormition Cathedral in the city of London.

During the Liturgy the Archpastors were assisted by Archpriest Maxim Nikolsky, Archimandrite Simeon (Gagatik), Abbot of the Akhtyr Holy Trinity Monastery  (Sumy Diocese of the UOC-MP), Archpriest Rafail Armor, Dean of the Diocesan District of Eastern England, Archpriest Stephen Platt, Dean of the Central England Diocesan  District, Archpriest Joseph Skinner, Dean of the Diocedan District of the South-West of England, Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch and Deacon Victor Nikiforov.

During the service, an augmented prayer was offered for peace in Ukraine and the unity of the Orthodox Church.

Liturgical chants were sung by the choir of the Cathedral under the direction of Sarah Elizabeth Skinner.

A sermon before the Communion was delivered by Archpriest Stephen Platt.

After the prayer before the ambon, Metropolitan Anthony blessed the new honey, after which the Archpastors and clergy venerated the Holy and Life-giving Cross of the Lord.

At the end of the service, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh addressed the Patriarchal Exarch with a welcoming speech.  Vladyka Matthew warmly thanked Metropolitan Anthony for his archpastoral visit and a special attention given to the Diocese of Sourozh, and presented the Patriarchal Exarch with a memorable gift.

In turn, the Patriarchal Exarch thanked Bishop Matthew for his kind words and cordial welcome, congratulated the clergy and parishioners of the Cathedral with the feast, and addressed those present with a word of edification.

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