On June 9, 2024, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe Metropolitan Nestor of Korsun and Western Europe performed the great consecration of the Church of the Protection of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Melida (canton of Ticino, Switzerland).
The relics of the ancient and especially venerated in this region saints: the martyrs Protasius, Gervasius, Nazarius, Kelsius and St. Ambrose of Mediolanus were placed in the throne of the church being consecrated. After the procession, Metropolitan Nestor placed the relics, together with the letter of consecration, into the casket inside the throne and confirmed them with mastic. The bishop's placing of the relics at the base of the holy throne reminds us that the Church of Christ in the era of persecution was established on the martyrdom of the saints.
Afterward, the Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe celebrated the Divine Liturgy in the newly consecrated church, at which His Eminence was served by: Hieromonk Svyatoslav (Zasenko), rector of the church; Archimandrite Martin (de Caflisch), dean of parishes of the diocese in Switzerland; and Sycharchimandrite Gabriel (Bunge), rector of the Monastery of the Holy Cross in Roveredo, Archimandrite Ambrosius (Makar), rector of the Ambrose Church in Milan, Archpriest Michael Zeman, rector of the Church of the Resurrection in Zurich, Priest Vitaly Korsakov, Priest Vladimir Khomenko, Hieromonk Iriney. (Pikovsky) and the Metropolitan's attendant, Priest Anthony Sidenko. The deacon rank was headed by Protodeacon Ruslan Chopenko, reports the website of Korsun Diocese.
In consideration of hard work for the good of the Holy Church, according to the decree of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill at the small entrance, the rector of the temple, Hieromonk Sviatoslav, was awarded the right to wear a palitsa.
Numerous believers prayed at the service: parishioners, pilgrims and guests of the community from various parishes in Switzerland and Italy.
At the end of the Liturgy, Metropolitan Nestor gave an archpastoral address, congratulating the congregation on the consecration of the church, he also presented bishop's letters of commendation to the patrons and members of the parish who were most active in the beautification of the church building and the development of parish life.
After the Liturgy, Metropolitan Nestor addressed the audience with an archpastoral address, congratulating the community on the consecration of the church.
In his response, Hieromonk Sviatoslav thanked Vladyka Nestor for the consecration of the church and archpastoral care for the community in Ticino, and also presented His Eminence with a bouquet of flowers.
Hieromonk Sviatoslav thanked Vladyka Nestor for the consecration of the church and archpastoral care for the community in Ticino.
Afterward, the bishop, clergy and laity shared a festive meal.
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The Orthodox community in the canton of Ticino (Italian Switzerland) was established in 2010 and was fed by the rector of the Ambrose parish in Milan, Archimandrite Ambrose (Makar). The first services were held in the premises of the Catholic church in Massagno.
Since September 2011, Hieromonk Sviatoslav (Zasenko) became the community's rector.
In the fall of 2012, the community had the opportunity to purchase a small temple in the town of Melide, located in close proximity to Lugano. The church building was built in 1931 by the German Evangelical Lutheran congregation of Lugano.
In 2012, the association Chiesa Ortodossa Russa della Svizzera Italiana («Russian Orthodox Church of Italian Switzerland») was established within the congregation.
On June 9, 2013, the first Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the new church by Hieromonk Svyatoslav (Zasenko).
September 28, 2014 was the first visit of the ruling bishop of Korsun Diocese Vladyka Nestor.
EVCS Communication Service/Patriarchy.ru
