« On the name day of Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, a festive Divine Liturgy was held at the Dormition Cathedral in London »

On November 29, 2024, the day of the memory of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew (60), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated his name day.

At the Divine Liturgy in the Dormition Cathedral in London, His Grace was assisted by Secretary of the Sourozh Diocese Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, clergy and guests of the Sourozh Diocese.

The deacons' rank was led by Protodeacon Ioan Sîlnic.

The liturgical chants were performed by the choir of the Dormition Cathedral under the direction of Dmitry Tugarinov.

At the small entrance, in recognition of his zealous pastoral labours, the Right Reverend Archpastor granted the right to wear the nabedrennik to Priest Ioann Chernelevsky, a cleric of St. Peter and St.Paul Church in Dublin, Ireland.

During the litany of fervent supplication, special prayers were offered for the health of Bishop Matthew. Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko read a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord Jesus Christ, our God, for the blessings of His Grace Bishop Matthew, whose name day celebrated.

At the end of the Liturgy, Bishop Matthew and the concelebrating clergy performed a prayerful glorification before the icon of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist Matthew.

After the dismissal of the Liturgy, on behalf of the clergy, monastics and laity of the Sourozh Diocese, the diocesan secretary congratulated His Grace Vladyka. Father Dimitry presented the Archpastor with a holy prosphora and a bouquet of flowers.

On behalf of the clergy, staff and parishioners of the Dormition Cathedral in London, Archpriest Dimitry presented His Grace with a commemorative archpastoral cross and panagia.

Bishop Matthew warmly thanked the clergy and parishioners for the joy of joint prayer and participation in the Divine Liturgy, especially noting the presence of the British dean of the Archdiocese of Western European Parishes of the Russian Tradition, Hieromonk Porfiry (Plant).

In conclusion, His Grace presented church awards of the Russian Orthodox Church: Rector of the Church of the Holy  Aidan and Chad in Nottingham, Archpriest Gregory Butler was awarded a Patriarchal Charter in connection with the 20th anniversary of service in the priesthood, Rector of the Church of the Great Martyr George the Victorious in Newcastle, Priest Victor Akhryapin, was awarded an Archbishop's Charter in connection with his 65th birthday, churchwarden of the Dormition Cathedral in London, E.N. Poplavskaya and the senior sister of the Bishop's St.Elizabeth Metochion in Roks Farm nun Martha (Persianinova) were awarded the Order of St. Euphrosyne, Grand Duchess of Moscow, 3rd degree in connection with their birthdays, and addressed those present with a word of spiritual edification.

In conclusion, many years were proclaimed for the namesake Archpastor.

A festive meal was held after the divine service.

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