One Year
as First Hierarch
One Year Ago, by the Will of the Holy Spirit, Metropolitan
Laurus was Elected by the Council of Bishops as First Hierarch
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
One Year as First Hierarch
One year ago, by the will of the Holy Spirit, Metropolitan
Laurus was elected by the Council of Bishops as First Hierarch
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
Vladyka Laurus accepted this cross as an obedience; a year
has now passed as he bears the burden of First Hierarch,
unsparing of himself and placing his hopes entirely on the
Lord God. Over this one-year period, His Eminence Metropolitan
Laurus has visited almost all the dioceses of the Russian
Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, sharing the joys and
sorrows of his flock. His even temper, directness and humility
have brought a quiet joy, calm and peace to the life of
the Church. Despite the fact that the First Hierarch and
the Holy Church have been subjected to slander and attacks,
the life of our faithful children continues in trust, sobriety
and unity of mind.
The health of Vladyka Metropolitan is wanting—over
the last month he has lost 20 lbs. and is under a doctor’s
supervision. Vladyka continues to live quietly alone in
the woods next to Holy Trinity Monastery, in the so-called
“skete.”
Despite the frailty of his health, Metropolitan Laurus does
not refuse any diocese or parish his First Hierarchal care.
This is especially difficult since in 2001, 2002 and 2003
a very many parishes marked or will mark their 50th anniversaries
and wishes for Vladyka Metropolitan himself to share in
their celebrations.
Vladyka Metropolitan shies away from praise, does not like
attention, and so we will not impose upon him, and will
only ask all the visitors of our website to pray for him.
We know that every day, molebens, the reading of the Psalter,
akathists, are read for him (in succession around the globe),
and it would be good for all who are faithful to the Conciliar
Church to join these prayers.
Out First Hierarch would also appreciate our unity, our
trust, our love. May the Lord help us in this!
EIS POLLA ETI DESPOTA!
Editors, Synodal Website
