The 35th Anniversary of Archbishop Mark’s Episcopal Consecration is Marked in the London Cathedral

His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin, Germany and Great Britain recently made one his regular pastoral visits to the Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland, accompanied by Father Protodeacon Georg Kobro from the Cathedral in Munich. On Saturday 7th / 20th February, 2016, Vladyka Mark served Divine Liturgy in the lower chapel of the Cathedral together with the Cathedral clergy and Archpriest Paul Elliott, rector of the parish of Saint Elizabeth the New-Martyr, Wallasey, Cheshire. In the afternoon, Vladyka Mark met with many individual parishioners for pastoral counselling, and in the evening Vladyka Mark presided at the All-Night Vigil in the upper church of the Cathedral, together with the Cathedral clergy and visiting hieromonk, Fr Patrick Ramsey.

On the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, Vladyka Mark presided at Divine Liturgy, together with Archpriest Vladimir Vilgerts, Deputy Rector of the Cathedral, Archpriest Peter Baulk, and Protodeacon Georg Kobro. After the dismissal, Fr Vladimir, on behalf of the clergy, Trustees, Church Council and all parishioners, presented Archbishop Mark with a set of red episcopal vestments, including mitre, as a gift on the occasion of Vladyka Marks’ 35th anniversary of being consecrated bishop.

Afterwards, the Sisterhood of Saint Xenia served an abundant and delicious meal in the Church Hall, during which Fr Vladimir presented Vladyka Mark another present from the parish — a large framed antique engraving, depicting the Skete of Saint Elijah on Holy Mount Athos. Vladyka Mark spoke many kind words to indicate his grateful thanks for the thoughtfulness and loyalty of the parishioners of his London Cathedral. He then went on to speak about the troubled situation of the Orthodox Church in Ukraine, and he spoke also about difficulties in Russia that surround the holy relics of the martyred Russian Royal Family, and a perspective on the controversy from the point of view of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia. Vladyka Mark completed his visit to London by chairing a joint meeting of the Trustees and Church Council.