Metropolitan Herman greets ROCOR Metropolitan Laurus on anniversary
His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman, sent a letter of greeting to His Eminence, Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of his consecration to the episcopacy.
The text of the letter, dated September 3, 2007, reads as follows.
“On this, the fortieth anniversary of Your Eminence’s episcopal consecration, I extend to you, our brother and concelebrant, heartfelt greetings. Please also accept our prayers and congratulations.
“Your Eminence’s long service in the vineyard of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, has been a model of dedicated and selfless service to the Holy Orthodox Church. The recent reestablishment of brotherly unity between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, which occurred under Your Eminence’s primatial direction, was an historic moment of tremendous significance for the entire Orthodox world.
“We embrace you with fraternal affection in the love of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and wish you abiding health and strength to continue your faithful archpastoral leadership.”