WESTERN EUROPEAN DIOCESE: January 13, 2020
Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe performs divine services in the cathedrals of Great Britain and Switzerland

On 25 December, 2019/7 January, 2020, the Russian Orthodox world celebrated the Nativity according to the flesh of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, with Divine Services spanning several days and culminating in the Divine Liturgy of the Feast on Tuesday morning.

At the heart of the Diocese’s celebrations were the festal Liturgies headed by the Diocesan Bishop, His Grace Irenei of London and Western Europe, serving at the Diocesan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Mother of God in London, England, and the Vicar Bishop of the Diocese, His Grace Alexander of Vevey, serving at the Church of the Great-Martyr Barbara in Vevey, Switzerland. In the customary unity of the Church, the same festal Liturgy was served in all the parishes of the Diocese, spanning its eight countries and five languages, sounding forth into the world the glorious news of the Angels to the shepherds: that today is born in the flesh the Savior of mankind, bringing glory to His world and peace to His creatures!

As is customary, the Nativity Epistle of the Diocesan Bishop was read from the ambo of all the Diocese’s parishes at the conclusion of the festal Liturgy, conveying the Archpastor’s greetings and congratulations to all the faithful.

In a majority of parishes, festal meals were held after the Divine Services, including children’s singing, carols, and the mutual congratulations of the faithful and clerics in the joy of the feast.

At the minor entrance of the Divine Liturgy in London, the Deputy Rector of the Cathedral, Archpriest Vitaly Serapinas, was awarded the palitsa in honor of his years of service to the Church.