« Bishop Matthew of Sourozh celebrates Liturgy in St. John Chrysostom Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan »
09-09-2026 
On Sunday, September 6, 2026, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh—Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada—visited St. John Chrysostom Church in Grand Rapids, MI, as part of his archpastoral visit to Central States Deanery, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy.
At the church entrance, Vladyka was warmly welcomed by members of the parish council and students from the Sunday school. Concelebrating the Liturgy with His Grace were the Dean of the Central States, Priest Joshua Genig; the Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Priest Mark Rashkov; the parish rector, Priest James Anthony; and parish clerics Deacons Michael Cook and Seraphim Kraker.
During the Divine Liturgy, the hierarch ordained Deacon Seraphim to the priesthood.
Following the Liturgy, the rector, Priest James, warmly welcomed Vladyka and, on behalf of the clergy and parishioners, presented him with an icon of the parish’s heavenly patron, St. John Chrysostom.
Bishop Matthew addressed the congregation with a sermon based on the Gospel reading; he also noted that his long-awaited visit to the parish coincided with the approach of the Church New Year, a time when we ask the Lord to bless our humble labors with His goodness.
Vladyka gratefully acknowledged the rector’s diligent pastoral labors, the best evidence of which was the church filled with parishioners and their children. Bishop Matthew wished for God’s help in the upcoming pastoral labors of the newly ordained priest, Father Seraphim, as he assists the rector. To commemorate his visit to the parish, the Bishop presented an icon of Venerable Nilus of Stolobny as a gift, and gave a service book to the new priest.
Fellowship among the hierarch, clergy, and parishioners continued over a meal prepared by the parish sisterhood. After lunch, the Bishop discussed various matters regarding parish life with the Dean, Father Joshua, and the parish rector, Father James.
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