NEW YORK: 16 August 2024
Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York sends a fraternal message to Metropolitan German of Kursk and Rylsk

2/15 August 2024
No. 01/08/24

To His Eminence
GERMAN
Metropolitan of Kursk and Rylsk

Your Eminence Vladyko!

It is with great pain that I monitor the events in the Kursk region and prayerfully suffer with you, praying for the preservation of Your Eminence, of the archpastors, clergy, monastics, flock and holy relics of the Kursk Metropoliate of the Russian Orthodox Church, for the preservation of all the people of Kursk, their families and homes. I pray for the healing of the injured, for the repose of those who have died and for the consolation of those dear to them, I pray that the damaged churches and monasteries are quickly restored to their previous glory and that the sorrow experienced by our beloved people of Kursk will be dissolved by the sweetness of faith in heavenly protection and the grace-filled aid of God, which grants peace beyond all hope.

Even under the ever-memorable Metropolitan Laurus and Schema-Metropolitan Yuvenaly, the most cordial relations were established between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Kursk Metropoliate, based on the good traditions of friendship and love in Christ. And the annual visit of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God "of the Sign" to the God-preserved city of Kursk, which continues to dake place during your time, has brought us even closer together.

Unfortunately, since the pandemic and the beginning of the special military operation, when it was decided that mass gatherings of believers were unsafe, we have not had the opportunity to enjoy the joy of prayerful communion and conciliar service at the miraculous icon. Nevertheless, we fervently pray for the speedy onset of peace, when the traditional offering of our shrine will again become possible.

May the Most Blessed Mother of God with the Synaxis of the Kursk Saints help the Kursk people to overcome the difficulties and sufferings that they have to endure, protecting the region and those living in it from all troubles, temptations and misfortunes!

Asking your holy prayers, I remain with unchanging love in the Lord,

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