On Sunday, December 4, the feast of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States, visited St. Michael the Archangel Church in Philadelphia, PA.

Concelebrating Divine Liturgy with Fr. Igor were Archpriest Luka Novakovic, rector of St. Michael Church, Archpriest John Vass, Atlantic States Dean and rector of Holy Trinity Church in Baltimore, MD, and Priest Mark Rashkov, Vice-Chancellor of the Patriarchal Parishes.

Fr. John delivered the sermon about the feast before Holy Communion. At the end of Divine Liturgy, Fr. Igor expressed the blessings and kind wishes to the parish of His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill and His Grace, Bishop Matthew and thanked the clergy and parishioners for welcoming him to the parish. Afterwards, everyone proceeded to the church hall for the luncheon prepared by the Women’s Fellowship. After the lunch, Fr. Igor led a parish meeting to discuss with everyone various issues impacting the parish life of St. Michael’s. Later, the clergy met separately with the parish council to continue the discussion in greater detail. Both meetings were conducted with mutual respect, Christian love and a sincere commitment to work for the strength of the parish.

Continuing his pastoral visit to Philadelphia, Fr. Igor Vyzhanov, then visited St. Andrew’s Cathedral, accompanied by Fr. Mark Rashkov and Fr. John Vass. The rector of St. Andrew’s, Mitred Archpriest Mark Shinn and cathedral cleric Priest Alexander Tsygankov warmly welcomed the visiting clergy. Fr. Mark Shinn acquainted Fr. Igor with the rich history of the parish, showing him the beautiful interior of the church narthex and altar, pointing out various improvements to the cathedral that have been done over the past few years, and various exhibitions in the parish museum.