ST PETERSBURG, RUSSIA: July 3, 2018
Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada celebrates Divine Liturgy at Kazan Cathedral in Russia’s northern capital

On the 5th Sunday after Pentecost, the Icon of the Protection of the Most-Holy Mother of God was brought to Kazan Cathedral in St Petersburg before the beginning of early Divine Liturgy. Accompanying the icon was His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel of Montreal and Canada of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and Evgeny Egorovich Korolev, President of “Under the Protection of the Mother of God” Foundation. Protopriest Pavel Krasnotsvetov welcomed the icon at the church’s entrance.

Divine Liturgy then commenced, led by Archbishop Gabriel. His Eminence was joined by His Grace Bishop Markell of Tsarskoye Selo, Vicar of the St Petersburg Diocese, Fr Pavel and the cathedral’s other clergymen. Leading the deacons was Protodeacon Simeon Beletsky.

A moleben was then performed before the icon in the middle of the cathedral.

Vladyka Gabriel then delivered a sermon, after which Fr Pavel welcomed His Eminence and gave him a painted icon of the Mother of God as a memento of his visit, and floral bouquets were presented to both hierarchs.