MOSCOW: February 19, 2008
The Delegates of the Russian Church Abroad Hold a Press Conference On the Awarding of “Compatriot of the Year” to Metropolitan Laurus

Today, His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan, along with Protopriest Serafim Gan, Personal Secretary of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia; representatives of the Moscow Municipal Government and the International Council of Russian Compatriots held a press conference at ITAR-TASS, to discuss the awarding of “Compatriot of the Year” to His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus. The award was given for His Eminence's “great contribution to the spiritual unity of the Russian people.” Representatives of the Russian Church Abroad talked about the goals of His Eminence's visit and contemporary life of the church life of the Russian diaspora, and answered questions. The awards ceremony will be held this evening at Moscow's City Hall.