On 9 November 2025, Archpriest Daniil Lugovoy, Dean of the parishes of the Diocese of South Africa in South Africa, rector of the Cathedral of St. Sergius of Radonezh in Johannesburg, celebrated Matins and the Divine Liturgy with Deacon Stephen Hayes, clergyman of the parish.
After the service, a solemn event was held in the parish centre of the cathedral to celebrate the Day of National Unity.
The celebration was attended by parishioners, compatriots living in South Africa, as well as representatives of the diplomatic corps, South African media and numerous guests.
The Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of South Africa Roman Evgenyevich Ambarov, the rector of the parish Archpriest Daniel Lugovoi and the representative of Rossotrudnichestvo Yuri Dmitrievich Gerasimov addressed the audience with a welcoming speech.
The guests were presented with a festive concert programme prepared by the Russian School at the Russian Embassy, the Russian Ballet School in Johannesburg, compatriots and Embassy staff. Separate numbers were performed by children from the «New Jerusalem» Children's Home, who presented a «Zulu Dance», as well as young athletes from the «Masters of Gymnastics» club.
Matushka Elena held a fascinating quiz for the children of the Sunday parish school dedicated to the Day of National Unity. During the class, the children together found the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the church, about which Matushka told them in detail - about its importance in the spiritual life of the Russian people, about its role in ending the Time of Troubles and in establishing the holiday itself.
The celebration ended with a shared meal in the Parish Centre.
Русский 
English (South Africa)