« Bishop Matthew celebrates Liturgy in St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral, New York, USA »
11-11-2024 
On November 10, the 20th Sunday after Pentecost and the feasts of Great Martyr Parasceva and Venerable Job of Pochaev, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated Divine Liturgy in St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York City.
The hierarch was co-served at the liturgy by Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov (cathedral rector), Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov; Interim Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA), Priest Mark Rashkov (Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes), Archpriest Alexey Bocharnikov (rector of St. Nicholas Church in Chester, PA) and cathedral clerics. Deacon Alexis Golubov led the diaconal rite. Singing at the liturgy was the hierarchal choir of the cathedral under the direction of Ksenia Afanasieva.
After the reading of the Gospel, a prayer for Holy Rus’ was read, as well as prayers for the newly-departed Archbishop Peter (Loukianoff).
During the liturgy after being ordained a subdeacon, Bishop Matthew ordained reader Hilarion Svanidze a deacon for service in St. Nicholas Church in Chester, PA.
At the end of the service, the archpastor was warmly greeted by the rector of the cathedral, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, and, in memory of the long-awaited archpastoral service, he presented a painting of a view of New York by parishioner Lilia Popova.
In turn, Bishop Matthew addressed the congregation with a sermon dedicated to the Sunday Gospel reading (Luke 8:26-39). The bishop also shared his joy in connection with the opportunity to come to his flock in the United States for the first time since the lifting of coronavirus restrictions and celebrate liturgy in the cathedral. The bishop expressed confidence that such prayerful interaction will now be regular, especially in the coming year, when the 100th anniversary of the repose of the enlightener of America and the founder of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York, St. Tikhon the Confessor, Patriarch of Moscow, will be celebrated.
Next, Patriarchal decrees on awarding the clergy and laity of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA were announced. In connection with the 35th anniversary of service in the holy orders and his 65th birthday, cleric of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in New York, Protodeacon Igor Panachev, was awarded the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 3rd degree.
In gratitude for their work for the benefit of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and assistance to their neighbors, His Holiness the Patriarch awarded the following: the medal of St. Luke of Crimea – cathedral cleric, Hieromonk John (Scheiffler), the medals "Patriarchal Gratitude" – cathedral cleric, Deacon John Peters, Matushka Elena Bocharnikova, and parishioners of the cathedral Elena Klimenko and Elena Granstrem.
In conclusion, the archpastor thanked all those present for the joy of common prayer and blessed them with the cross, after which they were given icons of the Most Holy Theotokos and St. Nicholas with the bishop's blessing.
The conversation continued over a fraternal meal prepared by Matushka Alla Vyzhanova and the sisterhood. After the meal, Bishop Matthew familiarized himself with the work of the Sunday school and library, and talked with teachers and students.
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