10/23/2026 Metropolitan Joseph led the Divine Liturgy at the Assumption Cathedral in Ivanovotranslated

On October 23, on the day of remembrance of the Venerable Ambrose of Optina, Metropolitan Joseph of Ivanovo-Voznesensk and Vichuga celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Assumption Cathedral in the city of Ivanovo. During the service in the church there was an icon with the relics of the venerable Optina elders.

Concelebrating with the Bishop were Abbot Vitaly (Utkin), Hieromonk John (Pletmintsev), Priest Sergius Vityazev, Hierodeacon Varnava (Laguta) and Deacon Alexander Lityaev.

Metropolitan Joseph read a prayer for Holy Russia and led the praise to St. Ambrose of Optina.

The Apostle was read by Deacon Alexander Lityaev, the Gospel was read by Hierodeacon Varnava (Laguta).

Liturgical chants were performed by reader Alexander Silaev.

Reader Ilya Novikov, Andrey Filippov and Pavel Romashenko served as subdeacons.

Press service of the Head of the Ivanovo Metropolis

Recorded 10/23/2026 Metropolitan Joseph led the Divine Liturgy in the Assumption Cathedral in Ivanovo for the first time the Ivanovo Metropolis appeared.