March 17, 2015
Howell, NJ: Greeting by Metropolitan Hilarion to the Participants of the Diocesan Lenten Clergy Retreat

Dear in the Lord brother-archpastors, reverend fathers, brothers and sisters!

I sincerely greet you and prayerfully call down God’s blessings on all of the participants of the Lenten Clergy Retreat who have gathered beneath the domes of St. Alexander Nevsky Diocesan Cathedral in Howell, New Jersey. Every year, seeing and feeling with my heart the unity of the Eastern American Diocesan clergy, I recall the words of the Psalmist: "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity" (Psalm 132:1). Every year, the days of Great Lent bring us together to receive salvific counsel, a deeper inspection of our souls, brotherly interaction and, most importantly, liturgical communion at God’s altar table, where we can clearly feel that, for us, our Lenten journey is not one of despondency and deep sorrow. Instead, it is a time of spiritual renewal, in which repentance gains us forgiveness, begets hope, fortifies our faith, and leads us to eternal life.

I wish all of the participants of this retreat – both clergy and matushkas – the renewal of their spiritual strengths, an inclination toward prayer, inner peace, fortitude, and humility in bearing the labors of Great Lent and in joyously greeting Christ’s Glorious Resurrection.

With abiding love in the Lord, and asking your holy prayers,

+HILARION
Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese