Bishop Irenei Leads Diocesan Pilgrimage to Shrine of St Alban

On Saturday, 28th April / 11th May 2019 (the eve of the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women), His Grace Bishop Irenei of Richmond and Western Europe led the diocesan pilgrimage to the shrine of St Alban, the Protomartyr of Britain (for more on the life of the saint, read here). The ancient shrine, located in St Albans Cathedral outside of London, contains the precious relics of the great saint, and as often as possible the Diocese keeps an annual pilgrimage to the site of his martyrdom, to celebrate the Divine Liturgy where the martyr lay down his life for Christ and to pray a moleben and venerate his relics which are specially brought out for the occasion.

Some 180 pilgrims made their way from all parts of Great Britain and Ireland for this occasion, which was marked by a spirit of notable sanctity in the presence of St Alban. During the Little Entrance of the Divine Liturgy, His Grace Bishop Irenei awarded Hieromonk Mark (Underwood) and Priest Spiridon Bailey the right to wear the nabedrennik in recognition of their years of faithful service to the Church. During the Hours before the Liturgy, His Grace tonsured Mark Fisher as a Reader, to serve in the Kazan Icon Parish in Cardiff, Wales.