My brother-archpastors, reverend fathers, brothers and sisters!

From faraway Australia, I call down God’s grace on the labors of the Lenten Retreat and Pastoral Conference, which is currently taking place under the aegis of the Kursk Root Icon of the Mother of God and the holy auspices of St. John the Baptist Cathedral, which for so many years has beautifully adorned the capital of the United States. I prayerfully wish that blessed success, spiritual aid, and comfort are the fruits of your gatherings, meetings, and especially your joint service and communing.

May this conference and the prayerful interaction of the clerics of the Eastern American Diocese and their spouses fortify and renew your internal strength, unto the continuation of the labor of the fast, which is to culminate in the radiant festival of Christ’s Resurrection, and unto service to His Holy Church!

With abiding love in the Lord and asking your holy prayers,

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

Media Office of the Eastern American Diocese  

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