Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk celebrates at Chinese Patriarchal Metochion
DECR Communication Service, 21.09.2022.
On 21 September 2022, the feast of the Nativity of our Most Holy Lady and Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations (DECR), celebrated Divine Liturgy at the church of St. Nicholas in Golutvino – the Chinese Patriarchal Metochion in Moscow with the blessing of His Holiness Kirill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’.
Concelebrating were Archpriest Sergiy Seleznev, dean of the Moskvoretsky church district and rector of the church of Archangel Michael in Ovchinniki; Archpriest Igor Zuev, rector of the Patriarchal Metochion; Hieromonk Kirill (Peregudin), a DECR staff member; and clerics of the church.
Some prayers were said in the Chinese language.
After the Litany of Fervent Supplication, Metropolitan Anthony offered up a prayer for the restoration of peace and conveyed blessings and best wishes from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ to the worshippers.
DECR chairman pointed out at the richness and complexity of the history of the church of St. Nicholas in Golutvino as it has lived through the years of flourishing and the years of desolation and continued to say:
“Today we see this renovated church in its splendor and witness an active parish life. Several years ago His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ entrusted this church with a special mission that may be called an apostolic mission by right. You, Fr. Igor, and clerics of this holy church, including DECR staff members, are preaching the holy Orthodox faith to the Chinese people. Thanks to your work this mission is carried out in Russia to the best of your ability. You are doing a lot for bringing the word of God to the faithful speaking Chinese and for catechization so that all those wishing could find out more about Orthodoxy and get acquainted with the culture of our country inseparably linked to it.”
In conclusion of his address, Metropolitan Anthony cordially greeted the rector, clerics and parishioners with the feast.
Archpriest Igor Zuev thanked Metropolitan Anthony for visiting the church of St. Nicholas in Golutvino and for common prayers and presented him with a Book of Hierarchical Services as a token of his visit.