MOSCOW: February 6, 2017
Bishop Irenei of Sacramento Serves in the Russian Capital

On Saturday, February 4, 2017, His Grace Bishop Irenei of Sacramento, Vicar of the Western American Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, celebrated Divine Liturgy at the Chapel of Hieromartyr Vladimir Ambartsumov of Moscow at the Church of the Descent of the Holy Spirit Upon the Apostles in Zachatiev Convent in Moscow. He was joined by the clergymen of the convent, as well as Protopriest Kirill (Kaleda), Rector of the Church of the Holy New Martyrs of Russia in Butovo.

It was an important day in the monastery, as it marked the 95th anniversary of the birth of Nun Georgia (LV Kaleda) of blessed memory, the daughter of Hieromartyr Vladimir and the mother of Abbess Yuliania, head of the convent. The church was filled with worshipers who came to honor Nun Georgia’s memory. The hierarchal service underscored the bond between the Church Militant on earth and the Church Triumphant in Heaven. Vladyka Irenei then addressed the gathering with a moving sermon on the importance of Christian podvig and the significance of the life of the Church as a precursor of the Kingdom of Heaven, as expressed in the life of Nun Georgia.

Afterwards, the Mother Abbess offered Bishop Irenei a tour of the convent’s churches and museum and told him about the history of the monastic community, at the end of which she invited him to a trapeza luncheon.

On Sunday, February 5, the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee and the Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, His Grace served together with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and a host of other hierarchs and clergymen at Christ the Savior Cathedral.

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