From Diocese of Sourozh
A new deacon is ordained on the Sunday of All Saints, the Patronal feast of the London Cathedral
Sunday 22nd June 2008
The Divine Liturgy on the Sunday of All Saints, the first Sunday after Pentecost is traditionally attended by the clergy and laity from the whole of the Diocese. The Liturgy that day was presided over by Bishop Elisey of Sourozh and assisted by the vicar of the diocese, Archbishop Anatoly of Kerch and other diocesan clergy. In the course of the Liturgy, one of the Cathedral readers, Sergei Kharitonov was ordained to the diaconate. Father David Smith (Tunbridge Wells) was awarded a gold pectoral cross for his zealous service for the good of the Holy Church.
The Diocesan clergy congratulated Bishop Elisey with his forthcoming nameday on the feast of St Elisha the Prophet and wished him a fruitful participation in the Bishops’ Council which will be inaugurated in Moscow on 24th June and which Bishop Elisey will attend together with Archbishop Anatoly.
Speaking on behalf of the Diocesan clergy, its most senior priest, Mitred Archpriest Benedict Ramsden, noted the increased stability and peace in the life of the Diocese. New parishes were being opened, remarked Fr Benedict, and the life of the existing ones strengthened and renewed.
In reply, Bishop Elisey thanked all the assembled clergy for their kind words and in turn, congratulated Archpriest Benedict with his forthcoming thirty-fifth anniversary of ordination.
