« A moleben was celebrated at the London Cathedral before the start of the new academic year at the parish school »
13-09-2026 
On September 12, 2026, following the Divine Liturgy, with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, a "Moleben for the Beginning of the Youths' Education" was celebrated at the Dormition Cathedral in London for the students of the cathedral's parish school in honor of the Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth.
The divine service was celebrated by Priest Nikita Kozlov, assisted by Deacon Nikolai Makarov.
Following the moleben, Father Nikita addressed the teachers, students, and their parents with a welcome address. Wishing everyone God's help in the coming academic year, the priest gave a pastoral blessing to those gathered and sprinkled them with holy water.
Then the children and parents proceeded to their classrooms. Open lessons were held there to mark the beginning of the school year, during which the school's students were able to share their impressions of the summer holidays.
The beginning of the school year is always an important event in the life of the parish, uniting students, parents, and teachers in a shared commitment to educating the younger generation in the Orthodox faith and traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.
The moleben for the beginning of school is a special rite during which believers ask for God's help and blessing in acquiring good and edifying knowledge. Those praying ask for the bestowal of the spirit of wisdom and understanding upon the youth, as well as for the enlightenment of their hearts so that they can successfully assimilate useful teachings. Traditionally, on this day, prayers are offered not only for the students but also for their teachers.