« On the day of remembrance of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visited the children's camp of the Sourozh diocese »

On August 1, 2023, on the feast of the uncovering of the relics of St. Seraphim (1903), the Wonderworker of Sarov, His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visited the St. Seraphim Orthodox children's summer camp of the Sourozh diocese and celebrated the Divine Liturgy there.

The clergy of the Diocese of Sourozh served together with His Grace: Hegumen Deiniol (Davies), Dean of the Diocesan District of Central England Archpriest Stephen Platt, Dean of the Diocesan District of South West England Archpriest Joseph Skinner, Secretary of the Diocese of Sourozh Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch and Deacon Alexei Kostyanovsky.

Liturgical hymns were performed by the children's and youth choir conducted by Anna Platt.

After the dismissal of the Liturgy, the Archpastor and concelebrating clergy performed a prayerful glorification in front of the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov, after which Vladyka addressed those present in English with words of sermon and spiritual guidance.  In response, Archpriest Stephen Platt, on behalf of the camp participants, thanked Vladyka for his archpastoral visit and the joy of joint prayer.

In consideration of his labours for the benefit of the Holy Church and in connection with the 25th anniversary of his service in the holy order, Archpriest Stephen Platt, Dean of the Diocesan District of Cental England, Rector of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker church in Oxford, was awarded the highest Patriarchal award - Order of the Russian Orthodox Church of St. Seraphim of Sarov, III degree.

At the end of the visit, Vladyka Matthew took part in a common meal, got acquainted with the living conditions and the program of events in the camp, talked with the teachers and camp participants.

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