December 9, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Liturgy at the Protection of the Holy Virgin Memorial Church
On December 9, 2023, on the day of remembrance of St. Innocent, Bishop of Irkutsk (1731), Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA and Canada, celebrated the Divian Liturgy at the Protection of the Holy Virgin Memorial Church.
His Grace was assisted by Priest Alexei Pjawka, Rector of the church, and clergy of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA: Archpriest Alexander Androsov, acting Chancellor Hegumen Nikodim (Balyasnikov), and Vice-Chancellor Priest Mark Rashkov.
The diaconal rank was headed by the head of the bishop’s protocol service of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA, Deacon Alexy Golubov.
During the Liturgy, His Grace performed the presbyteral consecration of the cleric of the Church of St. Innocent (Radford, Michigan, USA) Hierodeacon Seraphim (Balagtas) and diaconal ordination of Subdeacon Rodion Zaam of St.Peter and St.Paul Church (Manchester, New Hampshire, USA).
At the end of the Liturgy, the Archpastor warmly greeted the Rector, clergy and choir of the church and expressed fraternal gratitude to Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada for the opportunity to celebrate divine services in the Intercession Church.
Bishop Matthew also addressed parting words to the newly ordained Hieromonk Seraphim and Deacon Rodion, wishing them God’s help in their further diligent service for the benefit of the Russian Orthodox Church.
http://www.sourozh.org/maineng/2023/12/10/his-grace-bishop-matthew-of-sourozh-celebrated-the-liturgy-a.html