November 10, 2013
San German: Metropolitan Hilarion Begins Archpastoral Visit to
Puerto Rico
On
Friday, November 8, the First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad
began an Archpastoral visit to the island of Puerto Rico. The
primary goal of His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion’s visit was to
lead the divine services in the
Orthodox community, named in honor of St. John of the Ladder (San
Juan Climaco). On Sunday, November 10, Metropolitan will also
take part in a local fiesta, organized by the parish in the hope of
officially acquainting the local population with the Orthodox Faith,
utilizing elements of local culture: food, music, language, art,
etc.
A group of volunteers from the diocesan Volunteers in Mission
program, under the direction of Archpriest John Moses, has been
diligently working at the Mission since November 5th, helping the
parishioners prepare the church grounds for the fiesta.
On Saturday morning, His Eminence was given a full tour of the city
of San German, beginning with a visit to the local museum, where a
unique exhibit of paintings by Hieromonk Silouan (Justiniano; son of
mission rector Priest Gregorio and cleric of Holy Cross Monastery in
East Setauket, NY) was on display. The exhibit featured artwork
painted by Fr. Silouan beginning from his childhood and ending with
his most recent icons. They were a visual representation of the
journey that led him to convert to Orthodoxy and ultimately become
an iconographer.
In the main square, the First Hierarch was greeted by the mayor of
San German, Isidro A. Negron Irizarry, who warmly welcomed
Metropolitan Hilarion and expressed his sincere gratitude for the
Archpastoral visit. In return, His Eminence thanked the mayor for
his hospitality and support of the local Orthodox community.
The
city tour concluded with a visit to the local radio station, where
Metropolitan Hilarion and Fr. Gregorio were interviewed primarily
about the Orthodox Faith. His Eminence extended his blessing to the
inhabitants of San German and encouraged them to visit San Juan
Mission so that they could learn more about the Orthodox Faith. The
local radio host received the First Hierarch with much love,
thanking him for taking the time to visit Puerto Rico and for
helping to promote the Orthodox Faith throughout the world.
The All-Night Vigil was served that evening in San Juan Mission,
which is temporarily housed in Fr. Gregorio’s hacienda. His Eminence
was co-served by Archimandrite Maximos (Weimar; abbot of Holy Cross
Monastery in East Setauket), Archpriest Juan Carlos Rios and
Archimandrite Nektarios (Harding; rector and cleric of Holy
Protection Mission in Kissimmee, FL, respectively), Fr. John Moses,
Fr. Gregorio, Fr. Silouan and Hieromonk Tikhon (Gayfudinov;
Metropolitan Hilarion’s cell attendant).
Metropolitan Hilarion will remain in Puerto Rico until November
13th.
Republication of materials must include a reference to:
"Eastern American Diocese www.eadiocese.org."
Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese
