On 12 January 2025, with the blessing of our Archbishop, Metropolitan John of Dubna, Bishop Symeon of Domodedovo visited the Parish of Poitiers, which was celebrating St Hilary, the patron of the community.
As on previous occasions, the welcome from the clergy and from the faithful, who were particularly numerous, was very warm. Worthy of note was the presence of many young people, highly motivated and active both in the choir and in the sanctuary, and then in organizing the agape. The Divine Liturgy took place in an atmosphere of deep recollection, the bishop surrounded by the Rector, the Reverend Father Philippe, and his priest, Father Nicolas, the service being upheld by the singing of the choir members, which was particularly moving, sober, and without any theatrical effect.
In his homily Bishop Symeon insisted strongly on the notion of repentance, which is spoken of at the end of the day’s pericope. It had been written earlier that the people who walked in darkness had received a great light (Christ!), and it is from this light that we can see clearly what weighs on our hearts because of our faults and that we can enter into repentance, which is nothing other than the rejection, with the help of grace, of our past as sinners… Then we receive God’s most beautiful gift: His Mercy!
At the end of the service, Bishop Symeon conveyed the blessing and affection of our Archbishop John, which the latter offered to all on this happy occasion. Congratulating the community on its effective pastoral work, Bishop Symeon, as is his custom, invited each of the faithful, and the young in particular, to commit themselves to the service of the Church, whatever it may be: choir member, altar server, subdeacon, deacon, etc. – a service offered not only to men but also to women, who already show exemplary devotion in many areas…
Finally, on behalf of Archbishop John, Bishop Symeon decorated Matushka Christiane Maillard, wife of the Rector, Father Philippe,with the Order of St Mary of Paris, accompanied by the gramota and the corresponding decree. Limitlessly devoted, Matushka Christiane has been choir director of the community since its foundation and still often fills in when needed! About 25 years of service! In a humility worthy of her musical gifts… moreover, she has shown herself very active in many other activities: numerous icons painted to a fine standard, floral decoration of the church, preparation of the agape, sewing work for the various ornaments of the church, and many other things…,
After the traditional wishes of long life, health and prosperity sung by all, a fraternal agape awaited us, abundant and of high quality , varied, prepared according to the different origins of the various members of the community.
Once again, Bishop Symeon was able to observe the spiritual and human vitality of one of our provincial parishes, in the spirit of our Archdiocese, which is consciously preserved.
Let us give glory to God for the work accomplished by His grace and the generosity of all! 
+Symeon, Bishop of DomodedovoMonastery of St Silouan
