A Directive
to Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov, Archpriest Serge Lukianov,
the clergy, and parish council of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

In accordance with the decision of the Diocesan Council of the Eastern American Diocese, and by resolution of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, we hereby decree:

1. St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the new Diocesan Center and See of the Ruling Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese;

2. In accordance with the ROCOR By-Laws, the rector of the diocesan cathedral is its ruling bishop; from hence, the hierarchal staff is to remain affixed to the cathedral’s iconostasis before the icon of our Savior;

3. Protopresbyter Valery Lukianov is officially retired, and granted the title "Pastor Emeritus;"

4. Archpriest Serge Lukianov is officially appointed cathedral dean and administrator, and is a part of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral’s clergy. He retains his duties are rector of St. George’s Church in Freewood Acres, NJ, where frequent services are to continue;

5. Priest Seraphim Chemodakov remains assigned to the cathedral;

6. Archpriest Boris Slootsky and Protodeacon Leonid Roschko are assigned to the cathedral [and relieved of their prior assignments to St. George’s Church in Freewood Acres, NJ];

7. Protodeacon Nicholas Lukianov remains attached to the cathedral;

8. Deacon Paul Drozdowski is attached to the cathedral;

9. Subdeacons and readers at St. George’s Church are relieved of their assignments at the church, and are assigned to St. Alexander Nevsky cathedral;

10. All parishioners of St. George’s Church, if they so wish, may become parishioners of the cathedral, with attendant rights and privileges, though by doing so forfeit the right to vote at St. George’s Church.

It is our hope that the new Diocesan Center and St. Alexander Nevsky Parish will work closely together to become a place of prayer and shared cooperation by the cathedral’s clergy and parishioners for the benefit of Christ’s Holy Church.

Calling down upon you all God’s blessing,

+HILARION
Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

 

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese