From Diocese of Sourozh

Bishop Elisey visited Ewhust Green

On Saturday the 7th of February 2009, Bishop Elisey visited the Orthodox community dedicated to the holy martyr Saint Elisabeth the Grand Duchess in Ewhust Green, East Sussex.

On the eve of the Feast of the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, and on the day of the commemoration of the Hieromartyr Vladimir, Metropolitan of Kiev, Vladyka Elisey celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the domestic church of the community dedicated to Saint Elisabeth. Archpriest Maxim Nikolskiy and priest David Smith concelebrated with Bishop Elisey. Several dozen people, among which were locals and guests of the Community, prayed and took Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy.

At the meal after the Liturgy Vladyka Elisey congratulated the congregation with the Feast and referred to the joyful event of the election of His Holiness Patriarch Kyrill. Bishop Elisey emphasized that the newly elected Patriarch is a person entirely devoted to the Church and who does not spare himself in working for the good of the Church and her faithful children's. Vladyka ended his address by expressing his hope for a visit to the Diocese of Sourozh by Patriarch Kyrill. Many Years was sung for the new Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia.

After the meal and the warm fellowship Bishop Elisey thanked those present and in particular the nun Feodosia, who works constantly at Ewhust Green, wishing her patience in carrying out her obedience and calling everyone to pray for God's help with the creation of the community so that regular daily services could be celebrated there.

Bishop Elisey was accompanied by Protodeacon Dmitry Nedostupenko and reader Daniil Matrusov from the London Cathedral.