Celebrating the 5th Anniversary of the Community

The fifth anniversary of the founding of the Russian Orthodox Parish of St Kentigern was celebrated on 8th March in Glasgow. The day was marked by the visit to the community of Bishop Elisey, the ruling bishop of the Diocese of Sourozh who celebrated the Divine Liturgy. The congregation numbered more than sixty people, among them, immigrants from the former Soviet Union as well as native Scots and the representatives of the old Russian immigration. Bishop Elisey was assisted by Archpriest Mikhail Dudko, the temporary rector of the community and Deacon Dimitry Nedostupenko from the London Cathedral. The liturgy was followed by the Rite of Forgiveness. In his address, Bishop Elisey wished the parishioners joy on the occasion of the parish’s anniversary, and expressed his confidence that the community would continue to grow and increase in strength. A festal meal was served after the service. Afterwards, Bishop Elisey, accompanied by the clergy and the parish officers visited the burial site of St Kentigern and venerated his relics which are laid to rest in the Cathedral crypt. In the evening, Valdyka attended the concert by the pupils of the parish’s Russian Orthodox School and talked with the teachers and parents. (More pictures in the gallery section).