MOSCOW: 16 March, 2026
A pilgrimage of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Participates in a Patriarchal Service

On Sunday, March 15, 2026. on the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross and the day of the appearance of the “Sovereign” Icon of the Mother of God, a pilgrimage of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, led by His Grace Bishop Theodosius of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese, participated in Divine Liturgy, celebrated according to the rite of St Basil the Great, at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow.

The service was led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and all Rus', concelebrated by archpastors of the Russian Orthodox Church, representatives of Local Orthodox Churches, and the clergy of the capital city. The service was held under the holy patronage of the “Sovereign” Icon of the Mother of God.

During the communion verse, Bishop Thedosius, Archpriest Peter Perekrestov, Sacristan of the Cathedral of the Mother of God “Joy of All Who Sorrow” in San Francisco, and Archpriest Peter Holodny congratulated His Holiness on the 50th anniversary of his episcopal ordination, presenting him with a commemorative icon painted for the 100th anniversary of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and read a greeting address from His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.

The meting of the Patriarch, the archpastors, clergy, and participants in the service continued over a meal, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere.