Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visits St. Seraphim of Sarov Children’s Diocesan Summer Camp

DECR Communication Service, 03/08/2026

On 1^st August 2026, commemoration day of the uncovering of the relics of St. Seraphim of Sarov, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visited the St. Seraphim Children’s Summer Camp of the Sourozh Diocese and celebrated the Divine Liturgy there.

Among Bishop Matthew’s concelebrants were Archpriest Stephen Platt, Dean of the Central England Diocesan District; Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Secretary of the Sourozh Diocese; Protodeacon Vadim Santsevitch; and Deacon Alexei Kostyanovsky.

Among those in prayerful attendance were children and their teachers.

The liturgical hymns were performed by the children’s and youth choir conducted by Matushka Anna Platt.

After the dismissal, the hierarch and clergy offered prayers of praise to St. Seraphim of Sarov before his icon containing a particle of his holy relics, reports the diocesan website.

Archpriest Stephen Platt warmly greeted Bishop Matthew of Sourozh on behalf of all those present, thanking him for the visit and the joy of prayerful concelebration.

In recognition of his zealous pastoral labours, Father Stephen received a Patriarchal Liturgical Award – the right to celebrate the Divine Liturgy with the Royal Doors open until the Cherubic Hymn.

Bishop Matthew congratulated the clergy, teachers and children on the patronal feast of St. Seraphim Church and delivered a homily.

The archpastor also presented to Reader Paul Fowler, warden of the Parish of the Holy Protomartyr Alban of Britain, a diploma for completing a distance theological course at the Moscow Theological Academy.

At the conclusion of the feast, the children received commemorative icons and sweet gifts from the Holy Dormition Cathedral in London.

After that, all those present were invited for breakfast. Later, Archpriest Stephen Platt showed Bishop Matthew and his companions around the camp. The archpastor inspected the camp’s accommodation facilities and talked with teachers and children.

Following the camp’s teams presentation, Bishop Matthew lit the traditional fire, marking the beginning of the final sports competitions.

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Bishop Matthew of Sourozh visits St. Seraphim of Sarov Children’s Diocesan Summer Camp

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons

Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons