« Annual pilgrimage to the tomb of St. Cedd of Lastingham, Bishop of Essex »

On Saturday 9 November 2024, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, clergy and parishioners of the Sourozh Diocese made a pilgrimage to Lastingham, the resting place of St. Cedd, Apostle of Essex (+26 October/8 November 664).

The pilgrimage, which is being held for the fifth year in a row, was led by Rector of the parishes of St Xenia of St.Petersburg in Leeds, of the Meeting of the Lord in Bradford, of the Holy Equal to the Apostles Constantine and Helen in York and of the parish in honour of the Nativity of Christ in Kingston upon Hull, Priest Anatoly Vikhrov.  The pilgrimage was joined by Dean of the Diocesan District of South-West England, Archpriest Joseph Skinner, and the faithful of the parishes of the Diocese of Sourozh from London, Manchester, York, Leeds, Bradford and Nottingham.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the ancient church in honour of the Most Holy Mother of God, where Saint Cedd, who died in 664 during the plague epidemic, is buried in the crypt to the right of the altar.

The liturgical hymns were performed by Mother Sarah Skinner and the choirmaster of the Sretensky Parish in Bradford, Irina Novikova.

At the end of the divine service, Father Anatoly addressed those present in the church with words of greeting and gratitude for their participation in the pilgrimage to the tomb of one of the most famous saints of the undivided Church.

Pilgrims who arrived from London presented the parish of the Anglican Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Lastingham with an icon of St. Cedd, which will adorn the ancient church with his holy image, painted by Orthodox icon painters from Oxford.

On behalf of the pilgrims, Father Anatoly thanked the Rector, deacon and churchwarden of the Anglican church who were present at the divine service and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate Orthodox Liturgies and the constant warm and friendly welcome.

Fraternal communication continued over a common meal.

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