« His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated Vespers with the Rite of Forgiveness at the Dormition Cathedral in London »

On the evening of March 17, 2024, on the Cheesefare Sunday, remembrance of Adam’s exile (Forgiveness Sunday), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh prayed at Vespers and led the rite of forgiveness at the Dormition Cathedral in London.

The divine service was celebrated by Priest Nikita Kozlov, assisted by Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch, and Deacon Ioan Sîlnic. The cathedral clergy prayed in the altar of the church.

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

The first part of the Vespers was celebrated in golden vestments. After the singing of the Great Prokemne and the closing of the Royal Doors, the clergy dressed in Lenten black vestments.

After the dismissal of Vespers, His Grace Vladyka read prayers for the beginning of the Great Lent in English and Church Slavonic. Then he addressed the clergy and parishioners with words of a sermon. Simultaneous translation into English was provided by Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch.

Next, Vladyka Matthew, bowing to the ground, asked for forgiveness from the clergy and the believers.

Then the Archpastor and the clergy presented crosses for kissing to the believers, and everyone, approaching, asked for forgiveness from the clergy and from each other in order to enter into the Great Lent with pure heart.

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