London: Metropolitan Hilarion leads Great Consecration of Cathedral of Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos

On Friday, September 21, the great feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad led the Great Consecration of the Diocesan Cathedral dedicated to the feast in London. 

Joining the celebrations were members of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad, who met for a regular session on the evening prior. 

His Eminence was co-served by Archbishops Mark of Berlin & Germany, Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America, Gabriel of Montreal & Canada, and Peter of Chicago & Mid-America, Bishops Nicholas of Manhattan, Matthew of Sourozh, and Irinei of Richmond & Western Europe, as well as clerics of the Dioceses of Great Britain, Sourozh, and other Orthodox jurisdictions. 

Participating in the cathedral’s consecration was Prince Michael of Kent. 

The divine services were held under the aegis of the Protectress of the Russian Diaspora, the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God. 

The cathedral was filled with believers wishing to raise their prayers to the Most Holy Theotokos and to share in the joy of the newly consecrated cathedral. 

Upon conclusion of the Liturgy, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad congratulated all with the joyous occasion. His Eminence presented a number of Synodal awards to benefactors and laborers in the cathedral’s restoration.

Afterward, Bishop Nicholas consecrated a new cross-monument, dedicated to the centennial of the martyrdom of the Royal Martyrs.