Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visited the children's diocesan camp of St. Seraphim of Sarov »
01-08-2026 
On August 1, 2026, on the feast of the uncovering of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, the miracle worker (1903), His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visited the St. Seraphim Orthodox Children's Summer Camp of the Sourozh Diocese, where he celebrated the Divine Liturgy.
His Grace was assisted at the service by Archpriest Stephen Platt, Dean of the Central England Diocesan District; Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Secretary of the Sourozh Diocese; Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch; and Deacon Alexei Kostyanovsky.
The liturgical chants were performed by the children's and youth choir under the direction of Matushka Anna Platt. At the Little Entrance, Bishop Matthew, in recognition of his zealous pastoral labours, awarded Archpriest Stephen Platt the Patriarchal Liturgical Award—the right to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the Royal Doors open until the Cherubic Hymn.
Following the dismissal of the Liturgy, the Archpastor and concelebrating clergy performed a prayerful hymn of praise before the icon of St. Seraphim of Sarov containing a particle of his holy relics.
Father Stephen then addressed Bishop Matthew with a welcoming address on behalf of all those gathered. He warmly thanked the Archpastor for his visit and the joy of their shared prayer.
In turn, Bishop Matthew congratulated the clergy, teachers, and children in English on the patronal celebration of the camp church and addressed them with words of sermon and spiritual edification.
The Archpastor presented the parish warden of the Holy Protomartyr Alban of Britain, Reader Paul Fowler, with a diploma for completing a distance theological course at the Moscow Theological Academy.
At the conclusion of the celebration, the young camp participants received commemorative icons and sweet gifts from the Dormition Cathedral in London. After a shared breakfast, Archpriest Stephen Platt introduced Bishop Matthew and his companions to the camp's facilities and daily life.
Vladyka inspected the camp's accommodations and spoke with teachers and children.
Following the presentation of the teams, His Grace lit the traditional fire, marking the beginning of the final sports competitions.