WESTERN EUROPEAN DIOCESE: 17 June 2026
Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe visits St John the Russian Church in France

The Parish of St John the Russian in Lyon, France, received a visit from His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe, who headed the Divine Services of the second Sunday after Pentecost, dedicated to the memory of All Saints of Russia. The occasion also permitted the parish to extend the joy of its feast day, which was marked earlier in the week, with a visit of the hierarch and an opportunity for spiritual fellowship amongst faithful and clergy.

On Sunday, Vladyka Irenei officiated at Divine Liturgy, joined by Archpriest Quentin de Castelbajac, Rector of the Lyon Parish, together with the Parish's Deacon Gabriel Gigauri. Joining the local clerics were several invited clergymen and monastics from the nearby regions, who travelled to Lyon for the occasion.

At the conclusion of the Liturgy, the Bishop addressed the faithful with a pastoral word on the significance of the historic saints of "Svyataya Rus" for all the faithful of the Church Abroad abiding in the Diaspora. He also joined Fr Quentin in emphasising the grace of the Parish's patron saint, St John the Russian, who so fervently aids those living in various lands in striving towards the authentic faith of the True Church.

After concluding the Liturgy with a pastoral word, the Bishop joined clergy and faithful in the church hall for a festal meal prepared by its dedicated Sisterhood.

Later on Sunday afternoon, a conference was held in the Church, at which Vladyka spoke on spiritual themes with the gathered parishioners — and considerable time was dedicated to questions-and-answers posed by the faithful to their Archpastor.

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