On December 23, 2025, Bishop Matfei of Sourozh, the temporary Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the United States and Canada, held a traditional youth gathering, which have been held every Tuesday at the cathedral since 2010. Prior to the event, His Grace celebrated a Moleben (Service of Supplication) for the Beginning of a Good Work. Following this, a fellowship meeting with members of the youth organization took place in the cathedral's refectory.
The archpastor shared his many years of missionary experience serving abroad. In particular, he recounted memories of his meetings with the ever-memorable Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh (Bloom) and spoke of those traditions of parish community life at the London cathedral that he observed and took to heart when he began his ministry in the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in England.
Following this, the archpastor answered numerous questions from the young people, touching on matters such as relations with non-Orthodox Christians and the contemporary mission of the Russian Orthodox Church in countries abroad, among other topics.
To conclude the meeting, which was held in a warm and cordial atmosphere, Bishop Matfei wished all participants a blessed completion of the Nativity Fast and extended his greetings for the upcoming feasts of the Nativity of Christ and the civil New Year. His Grace also once again thanked the youth organization of the cathedral for the beautiful decorations adorning the temple and its grounds for the Christmas season.
