Communiqué of the Archdiocesan Administration, April 16, 2022 18 avril 2022

Concerning the fire at the church of Saint-Seraphim of Sarov in Paris

On the afternoon of Palm Sunday April 17, 2022, our church of Saint Seraphim of Sarov located at rue Lecourbe in Paris suffered a serious fire. An investigation is underway into its causes. Only a few sacred objects have survived, including two epitaphio , one of which was made by Saint Mother Maria of Paris (Skobtsova), and the antimension. Under these conditions the church is now unusable.
Metropolitan John of Doubna visited the scene this morning. He assured Fathers Nicolas Crnokrak and Renaud Presty as well as the churchwarden Mme Christine Frazis of the support of the Archdiocese to the clergy, the faithful and all the friends of the Church. Metropolitan Jean said “we will rebuild this historic church with the help of the entire Archdiocese”.
The solidarity of the other parishes has already begun to manifest itself, so will be possible to maintain the services at the end of Holy Week and Easter. The location and times will be published as soon as possible on the parish website.