The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

MOSCOW: February 4, 2013
Hierarchs of the Russian Church Abroad Celebrate Divine Liturgy at St Nicholas Church in Kuznetsy

On Sunday, February 3, 2013, the feast day of St Maxim the Confessor, Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St Nicholas Church in the Kuznetsy area of Moscow, led by His Eminence Archbishop Michael of Geneva and Western Europe of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, along with His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese. They were joined by Protopriest Vladimir Vorobiev, Rector of St Tikhon Orthodox Humanitarian University, along with other priests and clergymen of the church.

At the end of the service, Fr Vladimir thanked Vladyka Michael and Vladyka Jerome for taking time out of their schedule as participants in the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church to celebrate Liturgy at the University church. “ The hierarchal service represents the fullness of divine service . Today we sense the fullness and joy of being one in the Spirit. Life in Christ is life in unity, life in love, pure and clear life. Today we feel this ,” stressed the Rector of STOHU.

In his response, Archbishop Michael said that when the Council of the Russian Church convenes, the Holy Spirit directs its life in Christ. Bishops are scattered throughout the world, but form a single body, the Body of Christ, in which the people of God flourish. “We feel the joy of being in unity and oneness of spirit. This does not preclude the possibility of sorrows, challenges and difficulties. The joy of unity illuminates us, but also presumes responsibility, which we feel and which guides us. Together we are a force to be reckoned with,” noted the archpastor from Geneva. Vladyka Michael also expressed the wish that the university will continue to bear significant fruit and flourish.