« The archpastoral visit of Bishop Matthew of Sourozh to the parish of St. Macarius of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, Scotland »

On May 19, 2024, while on archpastoral visit to the diocesan district of Scotland, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the parish of St. Macarius of Aberdeen in Aberdeen, located on the east coast of the country.

During the Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated in the university chapel built in the 15th century, His Grace was assisted by Secretary of the Sourozh diocese, Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Dean of the diocesan district of Scotland, Rector of the parish of St. Macarius of Aberdeen, priest Alexander Menshikov and Deacon Sergiy Sokolovsky.

The liturgical hymns were performed by the combined choir of the deanery parishes under the direction of Natalia Inglis.

At the end of the Liturgy, Rector of the parish, Priest Alexander Menshikov, addressed Bishop Matthew with a welcoming speech. Father Alexander warmly thanked Vladyka for the visit and presented, on behalf of the parish, a bouquet of flowers and a memorable gift.

In his response, Vladyka Matthew congratulated the clergy and parishioners on the feast of Easter Sunday and addressed the participants in the divine service with a sermon.

As a gift to the parish of St. Macarius of Aberdeen, His Grace handed over the liturgical Gospel, published in English by the Publishing House of the Moscow Patriarchate with the participation of the Diocese of Sourozh.

In recognition of their diligent work for the good of the Holy Church, parish church warden Paulina Sawicka and altar server Adam Sajewicz were awarded Bishop's Certificates. Deacon Sergiy Skolovsky and Larisa Sokolovskaya were also awarded the Bishop's Certificate for their missionary work.

After the service, the Archpastor, clergy, guests and parishioners visited the main temple of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in Aberdeen - the Cathedral of St. Machar's, built 1131 -1165. According to legend, originally St. Macarius founded the first church in this place in 580. After numerous reconstructions, the cathedral acquired its final appearance only in 1530. After the tour and learning about the history of the temple, the pilgrims sang the troparion, kontakion and magnification of St. Macarius, a 6th century ascetic of the undivided Church.

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