« Archpastoral visit to the bishop's St. Elizabeth metochion in Rocks Farm, Bodiam »

On July 13, 2024, on the feast of the Synaxis of the 12 Glorious and All-Praised Apostles, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh paid an archpastoral visit to the bishop’s St. Elizabeth metochion in Rocks Farm, near the town of Bodiam in the county of East Sussex.

At the entrance to the house church, Vladyka Matthew was met with a bouquet of flowers by the elder sister of the metochion, nun Martha (Persianinova).

During the Divine Liturgy, which was celebrated by His Grace, the Archpastor was assisted by Archpriest Vitaly Polishchuk, Dean of the Diocesan District of South-East England, Protodeacon Ioan Sîlnic and Deacon Alexander Kapustin. 

Liturgical chants were performed by the choir of the metochion under the direction of M.V. Bezmenova-Nikolau.

On this feast, preceding the day of remembrance of the holy martyrs Grand Duchess Elizabeth and nun Varvara, the monastery site was visited by pilgrims from London and nearby cities. Those present at the divine service were able to venerate the holy relics of the holy martyrs, particles of which are constantly kept in the ark in the church of the metochion.

Following the prayer behind the ambo, glorification of the feast was sung and a procession took place throughout the site, during which Vladyka Matthew read the Gospel and sprinkled the parishioners with holy water. 

Upon returning to the church, the Dean Archpriest Vitaly Polishchuk addressed His Grace. Father Vitaly warmly thanked Vladyka Matthew for his archpastoral visit and special fatherly care for the metochion. As a token of gratitude, Vladyka was presented with a bouquet of flowers. 

In turn, Bishop Matthew expressed gratitude to the co-serving clergy, nun Martha for carrying out daily labours on the site and the parishioners for their support and assistance in the development of the metochion and handed over a gift for the church of the metochion, 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 hard work for the good of the Holy Church, Alexander Kuran and Yana Kachanova were awarded Bishop’s Certificates. 

At the end of the service, all those present were offered a meal.

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