Metropolitan Herman sends letter of greeting to newly-elected First Hierarch of ROCOR
On May 14, 2008, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman sent a letter of greeting to His Eminence, Metropolitan Hilarion the newly-elected First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
The text of Metropolitan Herman’s letter reads as follows.
“It is with joy that I send you warm and brotherly greetings on your election as First Hierarch by the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and on your confirmation in this office by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church.
“The Holy Synod of the Orthodox Church in America, meeting in its Spring Session May 13-15, joins me in expressing to you our best wishes for your ministry as First Hierarch. We pray that God may give you generously the spirit of wisdom and discernment which will make your service as First Hierarch fruitful in the life of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.
“We pray also that your ministry as First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will be a blessing and encouragement to the whole Russian Orthodox Church and to the entire family of Orthodox churches throughout the world. The ministry of bishop - and especially that of every primate and first hierarch - has at its center the unity of the flock entrusted to us, and the unity and brotherly communion of the whole Orthodox Church.
“We look forward to the spiritual joy of greeting the Holy Kursk Icon of the Mother of God at St. Tikhon’s Monastery at our Memorial Day Pilgrimage. Your positive response to our request for the presence of the holy icon at our annual pilgrimage is deeply appreciated.
“May God bless you and all of us in this responsible time to build up the Body of Christ together and together to strengthen the witness and mission of the Holy Orthodox Church - in North America and throughout the world.”