Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
15 Jun 07: Feastday of the Archbishop’s Chapel, Croydon, 9-10 June 2007
On Saturday, 9th June (N.S.), the wonder-working Kursk-Root icon of the Mother of God returned again to the Archbishop’s chapel in Croydon. With a feeling of deep reverence the Icon was met by a pious couple – Nicholai and Galina Strekalovsky. At exactly 6pm the ruling archbishop and parish rector, Vladika Hilarion, Deputy President of the Synod of Bishops, arrived. He brought with him another holy item, which is kept in the neighbouring bishop’s residence – the mitre of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco. He joyously surprised Archpriest Michael Li by granting him the great honour of wearing the saint’s mitre during the feastday. The vigil began. Mitred Archpriest Michael Li served with help from Protodeacon German Polorotov and deacons Alexander Kotlaroff and Constantine Moshegov. The beautifully decorated church was filled by the sweet sounds of a small, but well organized choir under the direction of Elena Kudrin. The small, but inviting chapel was filled by a multitude of petitioners.
His Grace, Vladika Hilarion came out for the Litany and Polyeleous accompanied by Archpriest Michael Boikov, chapel sacristan, Mitred Archpriest Michael Li, priests James Carles and Seraphim Sheidler together with the aforementioned deacons.
The whole service proceeded majestically and triumphantly due in great part to the presence of wonder-working icon. The following morning the two archpriests busied themselves with their obediences – Fr. Michael Li performed the Proskomedia, while Fr. Michael Boikov completed the Lesser Blessing of Water.
The ringing of the bells. Archbishop Hilarion is met by all of the clergy, who had participated at the preceding vigil. The choir was boosted by singers from other parishes. During the Sixth Hour Vladika Hilarion tonsured an experienced acolyte, Timothy Andrews, a reader, who then remained as candle-bearer throughout the rest of the service. Many acolytes served the bishop – from older sub-deacons to quite young children.
The church was filled to over-flowing. Almost everyone tried to enter and stand inside, probably because of two reasons. On one hand: the episcopal service, the wonder-working icon, the church’s feastday……- on the other: the inclement weather, which luckily trough God’s mercy totally improved by the time of the procession. All of nature seemed to greet the people as they came out to go around the beloved church.
Others to join the festivities included: the cathedral archpriest George Lapardin, priest Alexander Korzhenevsky from Carlton, Abbess Maria with two nuns from Kentlyn, hieromonks Euthymius (Samorukoff, presently serving at Kentlyn convent), Joachim (Ross – St. John the Baptist skete), John (McPherson – Holy Trinity Monastery, Monkerai) and Deacon John Bots.
Lunch. Everything is ideal: lavishly laid out tables, tasty lenten food and friendly atmosphere. Most of the clergyman gave edifying speeches, after which, as is chapel tradition, a poem was read by Elena Yakupova.
Ye Russian people! Let us thank the Most High God, his Most Pure Mother and our heavenly relatives, All the Saints of Russia for their unending mercy and benevolence. Amen
AMB
See photos in Russian article 14 June 2007