December 5, 2011
Miami, FL: Met. Hilarion called on the faithful to pray for Patriarch Alexey II on the 3rd anniversary of his passing

On Monday, December 5, His Eminence Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, arrived in Miami, FL, to lead the Winter Pastoral Conference of the Eastern American Diocese. His Eminence was greeted in Miami International Airport by Diocesan Secretary Archpriest Serge Lukianov and Archpriest Daniel McKenzie (rector of St. Vladimir’s Church).

After his arrival, the Metropolitan shared some of his thoughts about the upcoming conference. "I am grateful to the Lord for the opportunity to visit Miami once again," His Eminence said. "It is so wonderful to see that over 60 priests, deacons, abbesses, and matushkas have registered for this winter conference. Pastoral conferences are so important to the spiritual well-being of our diocese, because they give clergy the opportunity for fraternal and ecclesiastical interaction. All of us, hierarchs, priests, and laymen, receive a great deal of practical knowledge on how to manage our Church and parish life. I pray that the Lord will renew and inspire all of us to return home with greater zeal to serve the Church."

Metropolitan Hilarion also noted the importance of this day as the 3rd anniversary of the repose of Patriarch Alexey II. "Today we also honor the memory of His Holiness, Patriarch Alexey II, who reposed on this day in 2008," said His Eminence. "I call upon all the clergy and faithful of the Eastern American Diocese to remember Patriarch Alexey in their prayers. His Holiness led the Russian Orthodox Church during a turbulent time and set the tone for the spiritual revival that has resulted in the rebirth of our beloved and long-suffering homeland. Together with the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus, Patriarch Alexey closed one of the darkest chapters in the history of Russia by uniting the two halves of the Local Russian Orthodox Church. May his soul find rest in the heavenly mansions, where there is neither sickness nor sorrow, but life everlasting.”

Diocesan Vicar Bishops George of Mayfield and Jerome of Manhattan also arrived safely in Miami. The conference will officially open tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM with a moleben. Click here for more information and the conference schedule.

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