Archpriest Michael took part in a festival, dedicated to the 20th anniversary since the fall of Berlin wall

The festival took place on the 8th of November in the Pushkin House (London). It was organised by the Russian Community Organisation and gathered a number of historians, political analysts, experts, well-known members of the Russian diaspora and those who had witnessed the event. 

In his speech at the festival Fr. Michael spoke about the spiritual significance of the changes in the Soviet Union, which led to the fall of the Berlin wall. "We should not forget, - stressed Fr. Michael, -  that those changes were not caused by military actions, they were a result of substantive rethink by Russia of its role in Eastern Europe and in the world".

Delegates to the Diocesan Assembly elected

The regular services were celebrated at the parish of St. Kentigern. The Vesper was celebrated by archpriest Michael and co-celebrated by deacon Mark, the Liturgy was preceded by a baptism. A servant of God Lyubov has joined the Holy Orthodox Church, she received the Holy Communion at the Liturgy later on. 

Because of the celebration of the Saturday of Remembrance of the Departed Parents a Litia was served in the evening followed by Panikhida in the morning to commemorate the departed orthodox Christians and especially those soldiers who had sacrificed their lives in battle. 

After the service Fr. Michael invited parishioners for tea and open discussion. Two delegates were elected for the Diocesan Assembly. The parish will be represented at the Assembly by the warden Sergey Sokolovsky and Andrey Rubashkin. 

Also it was revealed that day that Tatiana Hine had found possibility to continue her work as a treasurer of the parish. 

The first class of the Bible chairs took place on the same day in the parish school, which was chaired by Fr. Michael. The class is perceived to be given regularly from now on.

Fr. Michael brought two sets of canonical robes and one set of cloaks for icon stands from London. The robes were donated to the parish by the Diocesan Cathedral.

Picture: at the Panikhida

Parishioners venerated the Holy Cross

On the eve of the Great Feast of Exaltation of the Holy Cross a service was celebrated in the Parish of St. Kentigern. The Holy Cross, decorated with natural flowers, was placed in the middle of the church for veneration.

Deacon Mark assisted with English part of the service at the Vespers, which already became a tradition. Archpriest Michael Dudko celebrated the Liturgy in two languages. The prayers before the Holy Communion were also said in two languages as there were communicants in the church who did not speak Russian.

Unfortunately Father Michael could not stay for classes at the parish school due to flight schedule London-Glasgow, but such classes are planned for future.

Pictured: parishioners venerating the Holy Cross.

First service after summer break celebrated at the parish

On the first Saturday of September, after the summer break, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the parish of St. Kentigern following the Vespers celebrated on the prevoius day, the 4th of September. A great number of parishioners were present at the service, 33 people received the Holy Communion. Among those an ill parishioner Sergiy received the Holy Communion at home.

Unlike for the previous services this time the icon screen was placed at the centre of the premise. It is likely to remain there for future services.

In the evening an opening ceremony took place at the parish school. It was the second time in the history of the school that the academic year was started with a prayer in the presence of a priest. A moleben was served and those present were aspersed with holy water.

Picture: a prayer at the new academic year opening ceremony.

Sermon in English became a part of the service in the parish

Another service was celebrated in the parish on 3-4 of July. The difference from other services was due to the fact that this time Vespers and Liturgy were concelebrated by deacon Mark from the Greek Cathedral. The Litanies were read in English and Church-Slavic languages. Fr. deacon for the first time in our parish offered a sermon in English right after Gospel reading. After the service Fr. Michael offered a sermon in Russian.

Such changes were made in order to fulfill Bishop Elisey's (the ruling diocesan Bishop) blessing to introduce services in two languages for missionary purposes. It is envisaged that the bilingual sermon practice will continue.