CANNES: March 30, 2011
Archangel Michael Parish in Cannes Welcomes Protopriest Michael Boikov

On March 20, 2011, the second Sunday of Great Lent, Archangel Michael Church in Cannes, France, welcomed its newest cleric, Protopriest Michael Boikov, appointed by His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, President of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, as his personal representative at the parish. Fr Michael officiated at Divine Liturgy at Archangel Michael Church, joined by Priest Maksime Massalitine and Deacon Anthony Odaisky.  

At the end of the service, Fr Maksime addressed the worshipers, welcoming Fr Michael with the following words:

Dear brothers and sisters:

Allow me to introduce to you Protopriest Michael Boikov, who just came to our parish.  Fr Michael was sent here at the instructions of Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America  and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, as his  personal representative. Fr Michael will help the parish, guided by the Regulation for  Deaneries and Deans. I ask that you share you love and kindness with him, helping him  in every way possible. Batushka, with all my heart I greet you at our church. From all  our faithful parishioners, I ask your holy prayers and earnest labors for the good of the  parish.

In his response, Fr Michael told the parishioners that he has known Fr Maksime for several years and worked with him on inter-church affairs, expressing the hope that Archangel Michael Parish and clergy will continue to live as a family. After the service, the parishioners and clerics shared a cup of tea.