On December 20, 2025, the feast day of Saint Ambrose of Milan, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA and Canada, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Passaic, New Jersey, of which he has been the rector since 2023.
Concelebrating with the archpastor were clergy of the Eastern States Deanery, led by the Dean and rector of St. Nicholas Church in Bayonne, Archpriest Michael Kapchits, and the cathedral cleric, Hieromonk Seraphim (Balagtas).
Following the divine service, Bishop Matthew addressed the congregation with a sermon dedicated to the memory of Saint Ambrose. He also noted with satisfaction the development of parish life at St. Peter and Paul Cathedral during the ministry of Hieromonk Seraphim. In response to the petition of the Parish Council and the parishioners, His Grace announced the appointment of Fr. Seraphim as rector of St. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Passaic and presented him with the corresponding Decree.
The archpastor warmly greeted the Dean of the Eastern States, Archpriest Michael Kapchits, and all the clergy of the deanery who had gathered for the Divine Liturgy that day. Bishop Matthew thanked the clergy for their diligent labors and wished them God's assistance in their continued service.
After a fraternal meal, the clergy, under the chairmanship of Archpriest Michael, held a deanery meeting to review the results of 2025 and discuss various matters pertaining to the life and activities of the parishes.
