SYNOD OF BISHOPS: September 30, 2008
Hilarion, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia 

28 September 2008
# 9-52/08 

To His Reverend
Protopriest Stefan Pavlenko 

Dear in the Lord Father Stefan,

Peace be unto thee! 

With all my heart I greet—a keen, sensitive and kind-hearted pastor of the Holy Church of Christ—on the thirty-fifth anniversary of your receiving the fiery grace of the priesthood, that heavenly anointing and great gift of God!  Today, my prayers and thoughts are with you, and with your family and flock, with whom I rejoice in your successful ministry to the Church.  I entreat God that He will bless you and all with you with good health and His all-strengthening help. 

With love in the Lord and a request for your prayers, 
+Metropolitan Hilarion