st of April, the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the Moldovan Orthodox community in London participated in a historical event in the parish life – pastoral visit of His Eminence Yelisey , Archbishop of Sourozh.
The Hierarch was greeted by the parish rector, Priest Nicolae Prescura, by officials or the Moldovan Consulate in London, in the person of Consul, Mr. Petru Alexei.
His Eminence Yelisey celebrated the first Arch-Pastoral Liturgy in this holy shrine, assisted by Fr. Nicolae Prescura, in the presence of a big number of believers.
During the Divine Liturgy, the Arch-pastor made a precious gift to our community’s church – the Holy Antimis.
In the sermon following the Gospel reading, His Eminence Yelisey called the believers to spiritual effort of fast and prayer, following the model of Reverend Mary of Egypt.
At the end of the service, father rector thanked the Hierarch for the pastoral visit, for providing the guidance and support to the community since the very beginning of its foundation till present. Father Nicolae presented His Eminence Archbishop Yelisey with an icon of All Saints who shown in the lands of Moldova. The high guest thanked Father NIcolae for the effort made in the development of the community, opening of the church, and for the organization of this God-pleasing event. His Eminence thanked the parishioners for their love and warm hospitality.
It was God’s will that the event coincided with the visit to London of Chisinau National Opera group, who sang the Liturgic hymns at this significant service.
The event brought outstanding spiritual joy to all Christians who were present at the Divine Liturgy.
Moldovan Community in London