Monday
May292023

« His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Church in Ottawa, assisted by the clergy of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA and Canada »

Date29-05-2023
On Saturday, May 27, 2023, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Intercession Church in Ottawa, Canadian Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
His Eminence was assisted by Priest Alexy Piyavka, Rector of the church, Priest Mark Rashkov, Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Priest Joshua Genig, Dean of the Central States, and the clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada.
The diaconal rank was headed by the cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York, USA, Deacon Alexy Golubov.
During the reading of the Hours, the Archpastor ordained as subdeacons the novices of St. John Chrysostom Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA, David Watkins and Seraphim Cracker.
At the small entrance, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, Bishop Matthew honored Priest James Anthony, Rector of St. John Chrysostom Church in Grand Rapids, with the right to wear a palitsa, and the cleric of the same church, Deacon Michael Cook, with the right to wear a double orarion.  The same award was given to the cleric of the church in honour of St. Innocent of Irkutsk, Radford, Michigan, Hierodeacon Seraphim (Balagdas), for his diligent diaconal ministry.
At the end of the divine service, Vladyka Matthew and the clergy of the Patriarchal parishes were greeted by the Rector of the Intercession church, Priest Alexy Piyavka.
In his speech, Bishop Matthew expressed his sincere gratitude to Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada (ROCOR), who provided an opportunity for the clergy of the Patriarchal parishes from the USA and Canada to meet with their bishop and celebrate in this magnificent church. Vladyka also warmly greeted the Rector, clergy and choir of the Intercession Church and offered to them a book about the Patriarchal parishes in Canada and incense.
In conclusion, Bishop Matthew presented the Dean of the Central States, Priest Joshua Genig, and Hierodeacon Seraphim (Balagdas) with the Patriarchal Gratitude medals, which they were awarded for their active service to the laity during the coronavirus pandemic.