« Bishop Matthew of Sourozh led the patronal celebration at the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God in Manchester »

On October 13, 2024, on the 16th Sunday after Pentecost, the feast of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God (transferred from October 14 (October 1st old style)), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God in Manchester.

His Grace was assisted by Secretary of the Diocese of Sourozh, Dean of Northern England, Sacristan of the Church of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God in Manchester Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, cleric of the church Priest Anatoly Vikhrov, and cleric of the Dormition Cathedral in London Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch.

The liturgical chants were performed by the choir of the Intercession Church under the direction of Apollinaria Postlethwaite.

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

After the prayer after the communion, the Right Reverend Bishop and the concelebrating clergy performed a prayerful glorification in front of the venerated icon of the Intercession of the Most Holy Mother of God, after which a religious procession took place around the church.

On behalf of the clergy, the church council and the parishioners of the Intercession Church, Archpriest Dmitry Nedostupenko warmly greeted Bishop Matthew. In his response, the Archpastor thanked the clergy and parishioners for their joint prayers, congratulated those present on the patronal feast and addressed them with a word of spiritual edification. The simultaneous translation of the sermon into English was provided by Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch.

In recognition of his many years of work for the benefit of the Russian Orthodox Church, Bishop Matthew presented the treasurer of the Intercession Church, Arthur Thomas (George) Dance, with a high Patriarchal award - the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 3rd degree. The honourary choirmaster of the Pokrovsky Church, Thomas Anthony Greenan, was awarded the episcopal certificate.

Congratulating the clergy and parishioners on the patronal feast, Bishop Matthew presented the church with a liturgical Gospel, published in English by the Moscow Patriarchate Publishing House with the participation of the Sourozh Diocese.

With the blessing of Vladyka, icons were distributed to all participants in the service.

The conversation with the Archpastor continued over a meal prepared by the parish community.

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