« Archpriest Benedict Ramsden celebrated the 50th anniversary of priesthood »

On June 24, 2023, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the parish of St. Cuthbert in Newlyn, Cornwall.  The divine service was led by the Rector of the community, mitred Archpriest Benedict Ramsden.

With the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Archpriest Joseph Skinner, Dean of the Diocesan District of South West England, took part in the divine service. The deacon service was performed by the clergyman of the parish, Deacon Pavel Kvyatkevich.

The liturgical hymns were performed by the choir, conducted by Joanna Willis.

Before the beginning of the Liturgy, the rite of joining the Orthodox Church through the Sacraments of Repentance and Chrismation of a new parishioner of the community, who converted to Orthodoxy from one of the Protestant denominations, took place.

After reading the Gospel, Archpriest Benedict addressed the parishioners present with words of a sermon.

At the end of the Liturgy, with the blessing of Bishop Matthew, Archpriest Joseph Skinner congratulated Father Benedict on the 50th anniversary of his service as a priest on June 10 and presented a high Patriarchal award - the Order of the Russian Orthodox Church, St. Seraphim of Sarov II degree.

Church warden of the parish, Susan Bleakley, addressed the jubilant with warm words of congratulations.  On behalf of the parishioners, she presented Fr. Benedict a book and flowers.

Earlier, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh sent the congratulations to the oldest cleric of the diocese on the 50th anniversary of his presbyter service.

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