8 / 21 JULY 2024: On the fourth Sunday after Holy Pentecost, which this year marked the commemoration of the Kazan icon of the Theotokos and of all the Saints who shone forth in the British Isles, the Parish of St Elisabeth the Grand-Duchess in Wallasey, in the north of England, marked its Altar Feast with an Episcopal Visitation.
The actual feast day of St Elisabeth and St Barbara having fallen in the preceding week (on Thursday, 5 / 18 July), the parish commemoration in Wallasey was translated to the subsequent weekend. Arriving from London with His Grace Bishop Irenei of London and Western Europe was Deacon Andrei Borisas and Deacon Sergei Baranov, who were welcomed by the local clergy of St Elisabeth’s: the Very Reverend Archpriest Paul Elliott, Rector, together with Archpriest Vyacheslav Lyahovsky and Priest Justin Venn, as well as Archpriest Juan Cordovi, who travelled to the Parish from the midlands. Amongst the large gathering of faithful were many young people, for whom the Wallasey Parish is a strong locus of activity in the UK.
Following the evening services on Saturday, Bishop Irenei was able to spend the evening with the three local clergy families, especially thanking the matushki for their important roles in the life of the parish. On Sunday morning, the Vladyka was greeted at the church with flowers presented by some of the parish children, and with the traditional bread and salt. The Divine Liturgy then proceeded, with the choir under the direction of Matushka Elisabeth Elliott. At the Little Entrance, Archpriest Juan was awarded the palitsa, and Priest Justin was awarded the kamilavka, in light of their faithful service to the Church.
Of special joy to the Parish was the presence at the Divine Services of five young adults who were illumined in Holy Baptism the day before, and who received Holy Communion wearing their baptismal robes.
In his sermon, Vladyka Irenei emphasised the spiritual power that comes from living amidst the saints, especially in the trials of these latter days. ‘Though we live in a world of many temptations, and might often be tempted towards loneliness or a sense of isolation, we know that we are, quite literally, surrounded by the saints of God,’ the Bishop preached. ‘Amongst these are the many hundreds and even thousands of saints that shone forth on these very islands, who continue to walk with us and guide us through their prayers. And in this God-preserved parish, we have also the special presence of St Elisabeth and her companion in monasticism, St Barbara. The world tempted them to hatred and despair, but instead they sang out from the pit of their martyrdom in praise of Almighty God. And today, they continue to sing God’s praises, and to do so for your encouragement, solace, and guidance into a pious way of life. Glory to God, that He gives us such help and such spiritual guides!’
A joyful Cross Procession followed the Divine Liturgy, after which the Ruling Bishop warmly greeted all the faithful, and Archpriest Paul expressed his affection for his co-clerics and all the faithful. A gramata of recognition was then bestowed upon Matushka Elisabeth, in light of her long years of service to the Parish, and especially its choir, upon which the clergy and faithful energetically sang out ‘Axios!’ to their faithful example of a Godly Christian life.
A luncheon followed, at which the Bishop was able to speak one-on-one with many faithful of the Parish, as well as collectively to all the assembled faithful, offering words of encouragement in the spiritual life.
In the late afternoon, His Grace departed to return to London.
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