« A pilgrimage took place to Lastingham, the resting place of St. Cedd of Lastingham, Bishop of Essex »
08-11-2025 
On November 8, 2025, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the annual pilgrimage of clergy and parishioners of the Diocese of Sourozh took place to Lastingham, the resting place of St. Cedd, Apostle of Essex (+26 October/8 November 664).
The pilgrimage was led by Priest Anatoly Vikhrov, Rector of the parishes of St. Xenia of Petersburg in Leeds, the Parish of the Presentation of the Lord in Bradford, the Parish of St. Constantine and Helen in York, and the Parish of the Nativity of Christ in Kingston upon Hull.
Clergy of the Diocese of Sourozh also took part in the pilgrimage: Archpriest Joseph Skinner, Dean of the Diocesan District of South West England; Archpriest Gregory Butler, Rector of the Church of Sts. Aidan and Chad in Nottingham; and Priest Jonathan Cowley, Cleric of the Archdiocese of Western European Parishes of the Russian Tradition.
The Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the ancient Church of the Holy Mother of God in Lastingham, whose crypt contains the tomb of St. Cedd.
The combined choir of the Northern English Deanery, under the direction of Mother Sarah Skinner, performed the liturgical hymns.
Following the Liturgy, a procession with the cross and a moleben took place at the tomb of the saint.
At the conclusion of the service, Priest Anatoly Vikhrov addressed the pilgrimage participants with words of greeting. On behalf of the pilgrims, Father Anatoly thanked the Rector and the parish council of the Anglican church for the gracious opportunity to celebrate the Orthodox Liturgy and for the warm and friendly welcome. A communal meal concluded the pilgrimage.