On Saturday 17 May and Sunday 18 May 2025, the Sunday of the Samaritan Woman, Bishop Symeon of Domodedovo made, with the blessing of our archbishop John, Metropolitan of Dubna, a pastoral visit to the Parish of St Helen and the Holy Cross in Montpellier (South-East Deanery), on the occasion of our parish feast.
Bishop Symeon was welcomed by the rector, Archpriest René Fouilleul, and by Deacon Stéphane Sevila. He attended Vigil on Saturday and presided at the Liturgy on Sunday in the presence of Archpriest René Fouilleul and Deacon Stéphane Sevila.
The Choir, directed by Matushka Laurence, perfectly enriched the service and received the congratulations of Bishop Symeon. Fr Cathala, the Catholic priest serving the Catholic community of the Church of the Holy Cross, was able to join us after the Liturgy.
For the agape after the Liturgy, the fine weather being on our side, we were able to gather in the parish hall and the little garden next to it. It was a great joy for the whole parish to see Bishop Symeon again, who had already visited us in 2021! And those who wished were able to speak with him during the agape that followed the Liturgy. It was wonderfully enlivened by a few Georgian songs, accompanied on the panduri (a stringed instrument) and performed by a few parishioners.
All these different moments took place in a very warm atmosphere.
We thank His Grace Vladyka Symeon once again most warmly for coming all the way to us to share this festive moment, so important in the life of a parish.
May God grant him health and many years! Mnogaya leta!
Archpriest René Fouilleul, rector of the parish