WESTERN EUROPEAN DIOCESE: January 29, 2019
An archpastoral visit to the Church of Great Martyr Barbara in Vevey, Switzerland

On Wednesday, January 23, 2019, when the Holy Church marks the feast day of St Theophan the Recluse and St Dometian of Melitene, Vicar Bishop Alexander of Vevey performed his first hierarchal divine service at his cathedra. His Grace was joined by His Grace Bishop Irenei of Richmond and Western Europe, who traveled to the Swiss city for the occasion.

Despite the fact that it was a weekday, the flock of the new bishop demonstrated its devotion to him for his many years of clerical ministry by coming to the Church of St Barbara from various cities of Switzerland to attend the event. At the end of the service, Vladyka Irenei delivered a sermon in which he emphasized his joy in presenting the new bishop, who needed no introduction, wishing him abundant Divine aid in his serious duty, to which the Mother Church called him. Well wishes were expressed and Many Years sung also to Archdeacon Dometian (Redko), who was celebrating his namesday.

The bishops then performed a commemorative litiya over the grave of Bishop Ambroise (Cantacuzene) of Vevey. A festive trapeza luncheon was then shared, prepared by the parish sisterhood. Bishop Alexander thanked Bishop Irenei for visiting and asked the Vevey flock to prayerfully support him in his continued labors.

diocesedegeneve.net