Slavic Vicariate Celebrates the Patronal Feast of the Cathedral of St. Matrona

On November 22, the patronal feast of Blessed Matrona of Moscow (+1952) was celebrated by the Miami Cathedral, which is the first church in America consecrated in honor of this Saint.

The celebration began the night before with an All-Night Vigil.  The next day the Divine Liturgy was celebrated. It was led by Archimandrite Alexander, Vicar of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate of America and the Rector of the Cathedral. Concelebrating were Archpriest Boris Babeshko, Archpriest Maxim Pliskov, Fr. Peter Prokoptsov, Fr. Alexander Bozhinov, and Hieromonk Pedro Medina Bazar.

The liturgy was followed by a prayer service before the icon and the relics of Saint Matrona.  The Miami Cathedral is the only place in America where the relics of this saint of God are constantly on display.  Archimandrite Alexander thanked the clergy, parishioners, and pilgrims from the Monastery of St. Nicholas in Fort Myers for their attendance.  Archimandrite Alexander warmly greeted the guests, especially Archpriest Boris and Fr. Peter, who traveled from New York, to share the patronal feast day with the parish of the Miami Cathedral.

In his sermon, the Rector noted that the Church honors its saints regardless of where and when they lived.  Saint Matrona was born in the Russian Empire but lived most of her life in the atheistic era of the former Soviet Union, when Christians were persecuted and many suffered martyrdom for their faith.  Even during her lifetime, St. Matrona performed miracles through her humble prayers and brought many people to God and repentance.  “May she be a helper and comforter to all of us in our lives,” the Rector concluded.

The memory of St. Nektarios of Aegina is also celebrated on this day.  This saint was a victim of intrigue and slander by people who were hungry for power, including bishops and priests.  He suffered exile and character defamation, but endured all those with humility.  In Greece there is not a church or  chapel that does not have his icon or photograph.  Among modern Greek saints, he is the most beloved and venerated.

The miraculous icon of the Holy Theotokos of the Hodegetria type (“Quick to Hear”) is revered on this day as well.  Archimandrite Alexander prayed that the Mother of God would hear the prayers of all present and be a fast helper and Protector to everyone.