OCA Chancery
Syosset, New York
September 20, 1996
His Eminence, Archbishop SPYRIDON
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of the United States
10 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10021
Your Eminence, Archbishop SPYRIDON,
Dear brother in the Lord,
On behalf of the clergy and faithful of the Diocese of Alaska, Orthodox Church in America, as we meet in assembly in the historic city of Sitka, on this 20th day of September 1996 in the great state of Alaska, where the roots of our Orthodox faith were first planted on North American soil, we do hereby extend to you our sincere congratulations and heartfelt prayers as you are officially installed as Archbishop of the Greek Archdiocese of the United States.
We pray that our blessed Father Herman of Alaska will guide you in patience and humility as you minister to the faithful entrusted to your care. May Saint Yakov Netsvetov, Evangelizer of the people of Alaska, be an example to you in your archpastoral work and service to the Lord at His holy altar. And may Saint Innocent of Alaska, Apostle to America, intercede on your behalf that you may be strengthened as you take on the mantle of episcopal leadership of the Greek Archdiocese.
Our archpastoral responsibilities at this diocesan assembly do not permit us to physically be with you on this joyous day, but know that we join with the saints, and all the Orthodox hierarchs, clergy, monastics and faithful in rejoicing in your installation as you enter the brotherhood of the venerable hierarchs bearing witness to the rich tradition of our Orthodox faith in this land of America.
As we pray and deliberate the joys and sorrows, triumphs and tribulations, and strengths and weaknesses of the Diocese of Alaska, be assured of the continued prayers of the hierarchs, clergy, monastics and faithful of our diocese for a fruitful ministry. May we always work together in brotherly love, peace, and harmony as we seek to fulfill God’s holy will.
With love in Christ,
+ THEODOSIUS
Archbishop of Washington,
Metropolitan of All America and Canada,
Administrator of the Diocese of Alaska
+ INNOCENT
Bishop of Anchorage