« Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrated the Liturgy and consecrated the chapel at the Patriarchal Estate in Pine Bush, USA »
25-12-2025 
On December 24, 2025, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Inherim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States and Canada, visited the Patriarchal Estate in Pine Bush, New York, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the Church of All Saints Who Shone Forth in the Russian Land.
His Grace was assisted by Hegumen Nikodim (Balyasnikov), Acting Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States; Priest Mark Rashkov, Head of the Chancery; Priest Artemiy Kulikovskyi, Rector of the parish; and clergy of St. Nicholas Cathedral in New York City - Priest Anthony Kurakevich, and Deacon Alexei Golubov.
Before entering the church, Bishop Matthew was warmly greeted with bread and salt by Matushka Ekaterina Babijtchouk and Matushka Olga Kulikovskyi and their children.
The parish choir, under the direction of Alena Babiychuk, performed the liturgical hymns.
At the Little Entrance, for his diligent efforts to beautify the church and maintain the Patriarchal Estate, the parish rector, Priest Artemiy Kulikovskyi, was awarded by Vladyka a liturgical award — the right to wear the kamilavka.
Following the divine service, the Archpastor was warmly greeted by Father Artemiy, who expressed gratitude on behalf of all those present for the long-awaited visit and his unwavering care for the needs of the parish during the illness and after the death in 2022 of the church's long-time rector, Mitred Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk.
Bishop Matthew addressed the congregation with a sermon and expressed gratitude for the many labours of Father Artemiy, who became a worthy successor to Archpriest Nikolai at the Patriarchal Estate in Pine Bush.
Bishop Matthew congratulated the rector on his well-deserved award and thanked his family, parishioners, and all of Father Artemy's assistants for their labours at this holy site. At the rector's suggestion, Bishop Matthew awarded the most distinguished parishioners with blessed Episcopal Certificates.
In memory of the visit, Bishop Matthew presented all participants in the divine service with icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.
Afterward, the clergy and faithful walked in a procession to the cemetery of the Patriarchal Estate, where, fulfilling the long-held wish of Archpriest Nikolai Babiychuk, a chapel in honour of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker was built in 2024–2025. Bishop Matthew consecrated the newly constructed chapel, followed by a memorial litany, during which fervent prayers were offered for the repose of the souls of those buried in this cemetery: Archbishop Dosifey (Ivanchenko); Archpriest Nikolai Babijtchouk; Archpriest Peter Krochta; and all those who found their final resting place here as Orthodox Christians.
Vladyka consecrated a new grave cross at the burial site of Archpriest Nikolai. The service concluded with the singing of Paschal hymns and the troparion "Universal Resurrection."
The fellowship of the Archpastor, clergy, and laity continued over a fraternal meal, lovingly prepared by the nuns and their assistants. During the meal, a short New Year's performance was held for all the young parishioners, and gifts were distributed.