On Sunday 4 August 2024, a Russian Orthodox memorial service for Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh (19 June 1914 – 4 August 2003) to ‘mark the 110th anniversary of the birth and the 21st anniversary or the ever-memorable Metropolitan Anthony (Bloom)’.  The well-attended service took place beside his grave in Brompton Cemetery, London.

The service concluded with a rather lengthy talk by the presiding bishop, who seemed to concentrate on the importance of being able to visit Anthony’s grave when it was not possible to visit the shrines of saints in Russia.

Later people – mostly women – queued to place flowers on the grave, and touch or kiss the headstone, before moving to the nearby chapel were a choir sang, photographs of Anthony’s life were displayed, and simple refreshments were available.

The event was considered to be an ‘annual’ one, the first such event being held in 2022.