Bishop Matthew celebrated Liturgy in Holy Protection Memorial Church in Ottawa

On December 9, the feast of St. Innocent, Bishop of Irkutsk (1731), with the blessing of Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, celebrated the Divine Liturgy in Holy Protection Memorial Church in Ottawa, Canada.

His Grace was concelebrated by parish rector Priest Alexei Pjawka, and clergy of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA: Archpriest Alexander Androsov (rector of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Manchester, NH), Acting Chancellor Abbot Nicodemus (Balyasnikov), and Vice-Chancellor Priest Mark Rashkov.

The diaconal rank was led by the head of the hierarchal protocol department of the Patriarchal parishes in the USA, Deacon Alexy Golubov.

After the Great Entrance, His Grace ordained cleric of St. Innocent Church in Redford, MI, Hierodeacon Seraphim (Balagtas) to the priesthood and after the Eucharistic Canon, ordained Subdeacon Rodion Zaam of Sts. Peter & Paul Church in Manchester, NH to the diaconate.

At the end of the Liturgy, Bishop Matthew warmly greeted the rector, clergy and choir of Holy Protection Church and expressed fraternal gratitude to Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal & Canada for the opportunity to celebrate divine services in the Church.

Bishop Matthew also addressed parting words to the newly ordained Hieromonk Seraphim and Deacon Rodion, wishing them God's help in their further diligent service for the benefit of the Russian Orthodox Church.