FRANCE: April 27, 2009
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad Sends Congratulations On the 80th Anniversary of Resurrection Parish in Medon, France

To His Grace 
MICHAEL, 
Bishop of Geneva and Western Europe, 
Protopriest Michel Goudkoff, the Parishioners and Worshipers 
of Holy Resurrection Church in Medon:

Christ is Risen!

It is with spiritual joy that I send you my heartfelt greetings on the Pascha of Christ, this great day in the Domostroitel’stvo [housebuilding of the Church—transl.] of our salvation, the inexhaustible wellspring of eternal life, pure truth and holy love. I congratulate all of you on this salvific celebration and your church feast day, and I congratulate you from my soul on the 80th anniversary of your parish in Medon!

May the most joyful of words of the holy songs glorifying the Resurrected Lord strengthen in making Paschal joy the essence of our deeds, to bolster the parish family to serve God and man, to establish the Gospel ideals amongst neighbors, to multiply good and to let truth reign.

I prayerfully share your joy on this day, and I wish for you that the grace of the bright feast day of the Resurrection of Christ continually strengthen you in your labors for the good of Holy Resurrection Church!

With love in the Lord and asking you prayers,

+Hilarion, 
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York, 
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia 

St Thomas Sunday, 2009