« His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Liturgy at the Parish of the Epiphany in Athlone, Ireland »

On Saturday, April 29, 2023, feast day of the Tambov Icon of the Mother of God (1692) and the Holy Martyrs Agape, Irene, and Chionia (304), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Liturgy at the parish of the Epiphany in the city of Athlone, Republic of Ireland.

His Grace was assisted by Archpriest Nikolai Kobets, Rector of the Parish, Archpriest Mikhail Nasonov, Dean of the Diocesan District of the Republic of Ireland, Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Secretary of the Diocese of Sourozh, Priest Sergei Sokolov, Deacon Sergei Starovoitov, and Deacon Pavel Demyanovsky.

Before the beginning of the Liturgy, His Grace Vladyka ordained Reader Leonid Gontmaher to the rank of Subdeacon.

Liturgical hymns were performed by the chamber combined choir under the direction of Tamara Butkovskaya, choir master of St.Peter and St.Paul Church in Dublin.

At the Little Entrance, Vladyka Matthew, in consideration of his diligent pastoral labours, honoured the Rector of the parish, Archpriest Nikolai Kobets, with the Patriarchal liturgical award of the Russian Orthodox Church - the right to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with open Royal Doors until the Cherubic Hymn. 

After the fervent supplication litany, the Archpastor offered up a prayer for the granting of peace.

At the end of the Liturgy, Archpriest Nikolai Kobets addressed His Grace on behalf of the clergy and parishioners, after which Bishop Matthew delivered a sermon.

Communication with the Archpastor continued at a common meal arranged by the parish community.

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