First ever Divine Liturgy in Castelo Branco in Portugal

The first ever Divine Liturgy was celebrated by Archbishop Innokenty of Korsun in Castelo Branco, Portugal, during his pastoral visit to Portugal on December 23-27.

Surrounded by dense forests, this city has seen only Orthodox prayer services. Sometimes there were evangelizing talks organized through the efforts of the Moscow Patriarchate community in Lisbon. The city is located 200 km away from the Portuguese capital. There are many Orthodox Christians, economic immigrants from Eastern Europe, who just as the locals are engaged in sheep breeding, horticulture and cultivation of olives.

After the Divine Liturgy, Archbishop Innokenty addressed himself to the congregation with words of edification.