On March 15, 2025, celebrations were held on the territory of the Novorossiysk Naval Base on the occasion of the 85th anniversary of its founding.
They were attended by the head of the hero city of Novorossiysk, A.V. Kravchenko, the head of the resort city of Gelendzhik, A.A. Bogodistov, the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, S.M. Pinchuk, the commander of the Novorossiysk Naval Base of the Black Sea Fleet, Rear Admiral V.N. Kochemazov, personnel, military personnel and veterans of the Novorossiysk Naval Base, representatives of city administrations. Novorossiysk and Gelendzhik.
Bishop Sergius of Novorossiysk and Gelendzhik participated in the celebrations on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church.
During the festive event, honorary guests and officers laid wreaths and flowers at the memorial "To the Sailors of the Novorossiysk Naval Base who defended the country in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945 and stood guard over it in peacetime." The distinguished guests offered congratulations. State awards were also given to the personnel of the Novorossiysk Naval Base.
Then Bishop Sergius performed the rite of the minor consecration of the church of the righteous warrior Theodore Ushakov on the territory of the military base. His Grace was assisted by representatives of the clergy of the diocese, who are engaged in interaction with military personnel.
The bishop also consecrated the bells for the church.
At the end of the divine service, Bishop Sergius addressed the participants of the celebrations with an archpastoral address. His Eminence congratulated the audience on the significant event of the consecration of the Ushakov Temple and the anniversary of the founding of the Novorossiysk Naval Base.
The church was presented with one of the Gospels given by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to the Novorossiysk Diocese for newly opening churches.