His Eminence Metropolitan Silouan visited the Parish of St Michael in Stoke-on-Trent on 21 and 22 February.
Father Samuel and the parishioners were delighted to welcome His Eminence to preside at Great Vespers on Saturday 21 February. At the threshold of the journey of Great Lent, he explained to the faithful that fasting is not beneficial in its own right but that it provides a means for us to discipline the body, rather than allowing the body to control us. The objective is for our hearts to be softened, through fasting, prayer and acts of mercy, enabling us to show love to all of those we encounter. He reminded the faithful that it is the extent of our love that will be judged by God.
On Sunday 22 February, His Eminence presided at the Divine Liturgy. Before the commencement of the service, he ordained Seraphim Moss as Reader to serve in the Parish of St Michael.
After the communion of the faithful, His Eminence elevated Father Samuel to the rank of Archpriest, honouring the 30-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. His Eminence remarked on the number of faithful present pointing out that this demonstrated firstly their love for God, but secondly that their priest is doing his job.
Following the Divine Liturgy, His Eminence joined the parish in celebrating a joyful Cheesefare Feast, during which he was able to speak to many parishioners, young and old, providing great encouragement on the eve of Great Lent.
Before all of the faithful took part in the Ceremony of Forgiveness, His Eminence preached about the importance of forgiveness. He said that it was not possible to start any work or endeavour unless we have first forgiven everyone who has sinned against us.
– Original report by Reverend Fr Gregory Hallam