May 23, 2014

Directive from Metropolitan Hilarion to all Rectors of the Eastern American Diocese to Provide Relief for the Suffering Serbian People

 

The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion, issued the below directive to all rectors of the Eastern American Diocese to hold a plate collection to benefit our suffering brothers and sisters in the flooding in Serbia:

 

№ 04.58.14
May 7/20, 2014
Commemoration of the Apparition of the
Sign of the Precious Cross over Jerusalem

A Directive
to the Father-Rectors of Churches of the Eastern American Diocese

Christ is Risen!

As you are all aware, our brother Orthodox people of Serbia have suffered a natural calamity of great magnitude. Disastrous floods have claimed the lives of many victims and the great loss of homes.

The Serbian and Russian people have long been united by bonds of faith and mutual assistance. A hundred years ago, Russia entered the First World War to defend Serbia. Following the Civil War in Russia, Serbia provided refuge for hundreds of thousands of our refugees, who were fleeing Bolshevik atrocities.

Our Christian conscience summons us to help the flood victims as much as we are able, channeling donations through the safe agency of the Serbian Orthodox Church.

On the coming Sunday, the rectors of all of our churches are to arrange for a plate collection for the benefit of the victims of flooding in Serbia. The collected donations are to be sent promptly to our Diocesan Office for transfer to the proper agency. Please make checks payable to “Eastern American Diocese” memo: Serbian Relief Fund.

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

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese