Monday
Oct162023
« Patronal feast celebrations took place in the Church of the Intercession in Manchester »
16-10-2023 
On October 13-14, 2023, in the Church of the Intercession in Manchester, celebrations were held on the occasion of the patronal feast, the 70th anniversary of the formation of the Orthodox parish community in Manchester and the 20th anniversary of the completion of the construction of the church.With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the all-night vigil and Divine Liturgy were headed by the Secretary of the Sourozh diocese, Dean of the diocesan district of Northern England, and the custodian of the church, Archpriest Dimitry Nedostochenko. Taking part in the divine services were Rector of the Church of Saints Aidan and Chad in Nottingham, Archpriest Gregory Butler; Rector of the parishes of St.Xenia of St.Petersburg in Leeds, of the Nativity of Christ in Kingston upon Hull, of the Meeting of the Lord in Bradford, of Equal to the Apostles St. Constantine and St. Helena in York, cleric of the Church of the Intercession in Manchester, priest Anatoly Vikhrov; Rector of the Church of Great Martyr St. George the Victorious in Newcastle upon Tyne, of diocesan communities of St. Cuthbert in Durham and of St. Ninian in Carlisle, priest Viktor Akhryapin and cleric of the Dormition Cathedral in London, protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch.
Liturgical chants were performed by the mixed choir of the Intercession Church under the direction of the choirmaster of the Dormition Cathedral in London, Dmitry Tugarinov.
After the dismissal of the Divine Liturgy, a festive religious procession took place around the church.
Next, after veneration of the Most Holy Mother of God, Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko conveyed the congratulations of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh on the patronal feast day to the clergy, parish council and parishioners of the Intercession Church and delivered the words of sermon.
In response, church warden Marianne Greenan warmly thanked Fr. Dmitry for the visit, and, on behalf of the parishioners, presented memorable gifts to the clergy.
At the end of the divine service, a common meal was held, organized by the parish community.
During the ceremonial part of the festive events, a welcoming speech was made by Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko. Students of the parochial school read poems dedicated to the Feast of the Intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Churchwarden Marianne Greenan shared her memories of the history of the first Orthodox community in Manchester and the parish life of the Intercession Church over the past 70 years. The director of the "Pokrov" Sunday school Lyudmila Sivori spoke about the newest period in the life of the parish.
During the speeches, archival photo and video materials about the parish life of the Intercession Church were shown.
In conclusion, a festive concert and tea party took place in the church refectory.