« On the 20th anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom), Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Liturgy at the Dormition Cathedral in London »

On August 4, 2023, on the 20th anniversary of the repose of the founder of the Diocese of Sourozh, Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Dormition Cathedral in London.

His Grace was assisted by Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Secretary of the Diocese of Sourozh, clergy of the Diocese of Sourozh and clergymen of the UOC, temporarily staying on the territory of the Diocese of Sourozh.

The diaconal rank was headed by Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch.

Liturgical hymns were performed by the choir of the Dormition Cathedral in London under the direction of Dmitry Tugarinov.

At the litany for the departed, Bishop Matthew prayed for the ever-memorable Metropolitan Anthony and his deceased relatives, prayers were also raised for the newly departed cleric of the Diocese of Sourozh, Archpriest Raphael Armour.

After the dismissal of the Liturgy, the Archpastor addressed the clergy and the faithful present at the divine service with words of sermon and spiritual edification, emphasizing the ministry of Metropolitan Anthony in building and developing the life of the communities of the Russian Orthodox Church in the British Isles.  Vladyka Matthew warmly thanked the clergy and laity from Ireland, Wales and various cities of England, who arrived at the commemorative celebrations, while noting the importance of preserving the memory and spiritual heritage of Metropolitan Anthony.

At the end, His Grace Bishop Matthew and the concelebrating clergy served a panikhida for the ever-memorable Metropolitan Anthony in the center of the Cathedral.

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