The Russian Orthodox Church community in Dublin marked a major milestone this week with the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the founding of the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul. The event brought together clergy and parishioners from across Ireland to give thanks for a quarter-century of spiritual life and growth in the Irish capital.

The Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, head of the Diocese of Sourozh, together with the clergy of the Irish deanery. According to the diocese’s website, the service was dedicated to the parish’s 25th anniversary and included prayers of thanksgiving for the community’s enduring witness and service.

Following the Liturgy, Bishop Matthew led a service of glorification before the icon of St. Olga of Kwethluk (of Alaska), whose feast was commemorated for the first time since her canonization. Addressing the congregation, the bishop congratulated the faithful and praised the missionary efforts of the clergy and the steady development of church life on Irish soil.

In honor of the jubilee, Bishop Matthew presented the parish rector, Archpriest Mikhail Nasonov, with a palitsa (a liturgical vestment) depicting St. Tikhon, and gifted the church a liturgical Gospel in English. Clergy and lay members of the community also received Patriarchal and diocesan awards in recognition of their service.

The Parish of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul was founded in 2000 with the blessing of Metropolitan Kirill—now Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. A year later, the Russian Orthodox Church received the building of a former Anglican church in central Dublin, where regular services have since been held in both Church Slavonic and English.