Arradon, France, June 3, 2026
The Catholic Chapel of St. Barbara where the parish celebrated its first Liturgy. Photo: archeveche.eu
A newly founded Orthodox parish community in Arradon, in northwestern France, celebrated its first Divine Liturgy on Pentecost Sunday, May 31.
The community, known as the Parish of the Nativity of Christ, held the celebration at the local Catholic Chapel of St. Barbara. Following the Divine Liturgy, the community celebrated Pentecost Vespers with the kneeling rite, reports the Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe.
The celebration took place with the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan John of Doubna. Fr. Syméon Çuhaciender, the serving priest of the Resurrection Parish in Nantes, presided over the services, together with Deacon Serguei Malko, also of the Resurrection Parish in Nantes.
Faithful came from several communities to support the new parish, including parishioners from Nantes, Lorient, Vannes, and Surzur. Among those present was Deacon Stéphane Sollogoub and his family, of the Parish of St. Gildas and St. Claire in Crac’h, Morbihan.
Following the Liturgy, Fr. Syméon offered thanks to Met. John, to the founding members of the community, and to all those who supported the new parish in person or through prayer.
The celebration concluded with a communal meal organized in the parish hall by Matushka Angélique, with the participation of many families and children.
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