« On Sixth Sunday of Pascha, Bishop Matthew celebrates Liturgy in Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore »
17-05-2026 
On May 17, 2026—the 6th Sunday after Pascha (the Sunday of the Blind Man)—Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore, MD.
The Hierarch was concelebrated by parish rector and dean of the Atlantic States, Archpriest John Vass; Acting Chancellor, Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov); the Head of the Chancery, Priest Mark Rashkov; and the Head of the Episcopal Protocol Service, Deacon Alexey Golubov. The liturgical hymns were performed by the Holy Trinity Church choir under the direction of choirmaster Andrey Burbelo.
Following the Communion of the Holy Mysteries of Christ, Bishop Matthew consecrated a newly painted wall icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, "The Life-Giving Spring," after which a Paschal Procession was held around the church.
After delivering a sermon dedicated to the Gospel reading of the day, His Grace warmly congratulated the church’s rector, Archpriest John, on the 25th anniversary of his priestly ministry. On this occasion—and at the Hierarch’s recommendation—His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ bestowed upon Father John the Order of Saint Seraphim of Sarov, 3rd Class. As a blessing for his diligent labors over many years—both as a rector and as a dean—Bishop Matthew presented Archpriest John with a commemorative pectoral cross. The Archpastor also congratulated the parishioners on the continuing days of Pascha and, upon the recommendation of the rector, bestowed Archpastoral Gramotas upon a number of the church’s laborers and benefactors. His Grace presented all those present with small icons of the Most Holy Theotokos.
The fellowship between the clergy, the parishioners, and Bishop Matthew continued over a meal prepared by the parish sisterhood.
Mospatusa.com/Sourozh.org