« On the day of remembrance of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visited the diocesan children's camp »

On August 1, 2024, on the feast of the uncovering of the Relics of Saint Seraphim, Wonderworker of Sarov (1903), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visited the St. Seraphim Children's Orthodox Summer Camp of the Sourozh Diocese, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy.

His Grace was assisted at the service by clergy of the Sourozh Diocese: Dean of the Diocesan District of Central England Archpriest Stephen Platt, Dean of the Diocesan District of South-West England Archpriest Joseph Skinner, Secretary of the Sourozh Diocese Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Protodeacon Vadim Santseviich and Deacon Alexei Kostyanovsky.

The liturgical chants were performed by the children's and youth choir under the direction of Anna Platt.

The divine service was broadcast live on the camp's Facebook page.

After the dismissal of the Liturgy, the Archpastor and the concelebrating clergy performed a prayerful glorification in front of the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov with a particle of his holy relics. Then, Archpriest Stephen Platt addressed Bishop Matthew with a welcoming speech on behalf of the camp participantsch. Father Stephen warmly thanked the Bishop for his archpastoral visit and the joy of praying together. In turn, Bishop Matthew congratulated in English all those present on the patronal feast of the church and addressed the participants of the service with words of sermon and spiritual edification.

In consideration of the diligent work for the good of the Holy Church and many years of assistance in organizing the diocesan children's camp, A.A. Platt, the choirmaster of the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker in Oxford, was awarded the Bishop's Certificate. 

At the end of the visit, Bishop Matthew took part in a common meal, familiarised himself with the living conditions and the program of events, and talked with the camp teachers and participants. 

Photo gallery