Русская Версия

May 25, 2010
Moscow: His Holiness, Patriarch Kyrill, bestowed the Order of St. Seraphim on Bishop George of Mayfield

On Tuesday, May 25, His Holiness Kyrill, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, congratulated His Grace, Bishop George of Mayfield, on the occasion of his 60th birthday, and for his "zealous work for the benefit of the Mother Church" awarded him the Order of St. Seraphim of Sarov, 2nd Class. The text of the Patriarchal greeting is available below:  

To His Grace GEORGE,
Bishop of Mayfield,
Vicar Bishop of the Eastern American Diocese

Your Grace!

I send you my heartfelt greetings on this significant day – your 60th birthday.

Having chosen the monastic path at an early age, you took the good yoke of Christ upon your shoulders, so that through obedience, good deeds, and preaching, you might serve the Savior and His Holy Church. You were able to come to spiritual maturity in the glorious monasteries of America and Holy Mount Athos, and this experience has strengthened you now, helping you to be "an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity" (1 Tim. 4:12).

As vicar bishop of the Eastern American Diocese, you earnestly perform your archpastoral service, teaching monastics and laypersons alike the faith in Christ and Holy Orthodoxy. It brings joy that by your prayers and cares, materials on Russian saints and ascetics are being translated and published, strengthening the spiritual bonds between the American and Russian flocks. 

In recognition of your zealous work for the benefit of the Mother Church and in connection with your birthday, I deem it proper to award you the Order of St Seraphim of Sarov 2nd Class. 

May the Merciful Lord strengthen Your Grace in your future service in Christ’s vineyard, granting you health, inexhaustible patience, and peaceful life for many and blessed years.  

With love in the Lord,

+Kyrill
Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia

The editors of the official website of the Eastern American Diocese sincerely congratulate His Grace, Bishop George, with his 60th birthday. Eis polla eti Despota!

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese