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On 2 November 2011, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, a doctor of theology honoris causa of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy, celebrated the All-Night Vigil and Akathistos in the church of St. John the Theologian in the Academy. Concelebrating were Archbishop Ionafan of Tulchin and Bratslav; Bishop Amvrosiy of Gatchina, rector of the St. Petersburg theological schools; hegumen Philaret (Bulekov), the DECR vice-chairman; and the ordained faculty members.

Singing at the moleben at the “Sign” icon of the Mother of God were choirs of the St. Petersburg theological schools.

After the divine service, Metropolitan Hilarion warmly greeted the worshippers, conveyed blessings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to them, and thanked Bishop Amvrosiy for concelebration.

After Metropolitan Hilarion’s archpastoral homily, the rector thanked him and Archbishop Ionafan for common prayers and presented the DECR chairman with an icon of the Holy and Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky, a heavenly patron of St. Petersburg, and Archbishop Ionafan – with an icon of St. Xenia of Petersburg.