On May 2, 2026—Saturday in the Third Week after Pascha and the feast of Blessed Matrona of Moscow—Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA & Canada, celebrated Divine Liturgy in Our Lady of Kazan Church in San Diego, CA.

Prior to the commencement of the service, the Archpastor was warmly welcomed by the church’s rector, Hieromonk Sylvester (Kozhin), and parishioners.

Concelebrating with His Grace at the Liturgy was: Priest Michael Kozyrev (dean of the Western States and dean of St. Nicholas Patriarchal Cathedral in San Francisco, CA), Hieromonk Sylvester; Archpriest Eugene Grushevsky (rector of St. John of Kronstadt Church in San Diego,CA) and Deacon Nikita Grekhovodov (cleric of St. John of Kronstadt Church).

At the conclusion of the service, Hieromonk Sylvester, on behalf of the parishioners, cordially thanked the archpastor for the joy of prayerful communion during the days of Pascha. As a memento of his visit to the parish, he presented His Grace with a gift: an exquisitely embroidered icon of the Blessed Eldress Matrona of Moscow—the saint honored on May 2—crafted by a parishioner of the church.

Bishop Matthew addressed the concelebrating clergy and the faithful with a homily, offering congratulations on the Bright Resurrection of Christ and on the feast day of this holy eldress, who is especially revered in our Church. His Grace gratefully acknowledged the labors of Father Sylvester and the active parish members over recent years—efforts which have led to a substantial increase in the number of parishioners. Bishop Matthew also expressed his gratitude to the dean, Father Michael Kozyrev, for his assistance in the beautification of the church and for supplying it with necessary liturgical vessels and vestments.

As a blessing to all parishioners—and as a prayerful memento of this day—the Archpastor presented them with icons of Blessed Matrona.

The fellowship between the clergy and the parishioners continued over a fraternal meal. His Grace discussed with the rector and the dean plans for the further development of the parish, as well as other matters concerning the life and operations of the Church of the Kazan Icon.