The clergy of the Sourozh Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church gathered today at Brompton Cemetery in London to mark the 22nd anniversary of the repose of Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom), a revered hierarch and spiritual writer whose influence continues to inspire Orthodox Christians around the world.

The memorial service was held at the late Metropolitan’s grave and was led by Archpriest Dimitry Nedostupenko, Secretary of the Diocese, with the blessing of Bishop Matthew of Sourozh. He was joined by Archimandrite Daniel (Davies), Dean of the Welsh District, along with Deans of the South-East and South-West Districts, Archpriests Vitaly Polishchuk and Joseph Skinner, as well as other clergy of the diocese.

The choir of the Cathedral of the Dormition in London, directed by Dmitry Tugarinov, performed the funeral hymns.

Faithful from across the United Kingdom and abroad—parishioners, spiritual children, and admirers of Metropolitan Anthony—gathered at the cemetery to honor his memory.

Following the service, Archpriest Maxim Nikolsky, the senior priest of the cathedral, addressed those present with a pastoral reflection, recalling Metropolitan Anthony’s spiritual legacy and sharing personal memories and testimonies of prayerful intercession attributed to him.

Earlier in the day, a Divine Liturgy was celebrated at the Cathedral of the Dormition of the Mother of God in London, with prayers also offered for the repose of the late hierarch.

Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh (in the world, Andrei Borisovich Bloom; 1914–2003) was one of the most influential figures in the Russian Orthodox Church of the 20th century. A spiritual writer, preacher, and missionary, he served as Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe from 1965 to 1974. His numerous writings, centered on inner freedom, authentic prayer, and the transformative encounter with God, have profoundly shaped generations of believers in Russia and beyond.

He is remembered not only for his theological insight but also for his ability to connect Orthodox tradition with existential questions of modern humanity—emphasizing honesty, compassion, and the human calling to love and transformation.