On feast of Kursk Root Icon, Bishop Matthew serves moleben in St. John of Shanghai Chapel

On December 10, 2024, the feast of the Kursk Root Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos, at the invitation of the Vicar of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Church Abroad, Bishop Theodosius of Seattle, the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, visited St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle, Washington.

On behalf of the Most Reverend Rector, Bishop Matthew was cordially greeted by the Cathedral's dean, Archpriest Alexei Kotar. After getting acquainted with the church and venerating the cathedral's relics, Bishop Matthew, co-served by the cathedral's cleric, Deacon Rustik Kroshko, served a moleben in the chapel in honor of St. John of Shanghai. The saint departed to the Lord on July 2, 1966, before the miraculous Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" during a visit to St. Nicholas Cathedral in Seattle. A chapel in honor of the saint was built on the site of his blessed repose.

Praying at the service was cathedral dean Archpriest Alexei Kotar, Matushka Natalia Maksimilianovna, the bishop's personal secretary Nikolai Trubnikov, who was accompanying him on the trip, and parishioners prayed.

Bishop Matthew congratulated those gathered on the day of the celebration in honor of the Hodegetria of the Russian Diaspora and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Theodosius for the opportunity to offer prayer at this holy place. The bishop thanked the dean, Matushka Natalia, and the deacon for the warm welcome and joint prayers, presented them with memorable gifts, and wished them God's help in serving the Holy Mother Church. The conversation continued over tea in the parish house.