Dear brothers and sisters,
We have just returned from London, at the end of a very joyful, but very long day, celebrating the altar-feast of our cathedral on this feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God.
As Bishop Irenei was unable to lead the celebrations due to the ongoing session of the Holy Synod, convened to elect our new First-Hierarch, Archpriest Paul our chancellor stood in his place heading the concelebration with the cathedral clergy, our ever-joyful Father Spasimir from Norwich, Father Joseph from the Patriarchal Cathedral and Father Goran from the Serbian parish.
Following the Liturgy, the assembled clergy and faithful celebrated a krestny khod, processing around the cathedral whilst chanting the moleben to the Mother of God in honour of her Nativity, bearing banners, crosses, candles and icons, with the faithful blessed with an generous volume of holy water.
Trapeza welcomed cathedral parishioners and visitors from other parishes (with a few of our Cardiff parishioners) for a wonderful meal, with musical offerings from some of the young people, including our own Aldhelm, who was eager to take his turn at the piano.
It was a joy to catch up with friends, and to have time with our fellow clergy, and – as always – Deacon Mark and I would like to thank the cathedral clergy, staorosta Vera Alexandrovna, and the parish sisterhood for their immense kindness and hospitality.
Praise God for such a wonderful feast!
