From Diocese of Sourozh
The newly-appointed ruling bishop of the Sourozh Diocese celebrates his first Sunday Liturgy
30th December 2007
On 30th December, Bishop Elisey of Sourozh celebrated his first Sunday Liturgy at the Cathedral in London following his appointment as the ruling bishop of that diocese by the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.
For the first time in over three years a bishop 'of Sourozh' was commemorated at the Divine Liturgy, marking the end of the widowed status of the Diocese and the cessation of its temporary administration.
At the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy, Bishop Elisey of Sourozh informed the congregation of the decision of the Holy Synod and asked for fervent prayers for himself as the diocesan bishop who now assumes complete responsibility for the life in the Diocese.
Bishop Elisey emphasised that for him, as for many faithful, the title 'of Sourozh' is forever linked with the memory of Metropolitan Anthony, the founder, and, for many years, the head of the Diocese. He also asked the assembled faithful to continue to pray for Archbishop Innokenty of Korsun, who assumed the temporary administration of the Diocese during a difficult period following the crisis of last year.
Bishop Elisey also expressed his conviction that Archbishop Anatoly of Kerch, who remains as the assistant bishop of the Sourozh Diocese, would continue his pastoral work for the benefit of the numerous Orthodox faithful in the British Isles.
