Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
7 Feb 08: Vladyka Hilarion in South America – Day 1 – 4th February 2008
According to the directive of His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), His Grace, the Most Reverend Archbishop Hilarion of Sydney Australia and New Zealand, the First Deputy of the First Hierarch of ROCOR, and his secretary Archpriest Michael Boikov, arrived in Santiago, the capital of Chile. Metropolitan Laurus, being concerned about the spiritual needs of the children of ROCOR who live in South America purposefully sent Vladyka Hilarion to visit the clergy and the laity in the countries of Chile, Brazil and Argentina.
At the Santiago airport Vladyka Hilarion and his travelling companion, Archpriest Michael were given a VIP welcome, with the cooperation of the customs authorities, by Priest Alexei Aedo and Dr Elizabeth Jurlow, representatives of the St. Nektarios mission.
From the airport the honourable guests were taken to the St. Nektarios of Pentapolis chapel, which is housed within the main building of the Santiago central university. The rector (who is also a professor of the university) Fr. Alexei, together with a small group of parishioners greeted Vladyka with the holy cross and Gospel. During the chanting of ‘Ton Despotin’ to the Greek melody, Vladyka revered the holy icons and blessed those present among whom were Roberto Leon (church warden and chanter), Enrique Parkze and the aforementioned Dr. Elizabeth Jurlow, the parish secretary. Following this, Archpriest Michael was given the task of serving a Thanksgiving moleben by Vladyka, during which Fr.Alexei read the Gospel account of the healing of the 10 lepers by Jesus in Spanish.
After the moleben everyone travelled to the home of Ekaterina Jurlow, the elder sister of Dr. Elizabeth, for lunch. A wonderful tradional Russian meal was served which included a dish of local fish known as Blancini.
Fr. Alexei and his parishioners gave a brief overview of the current status of the members of ROCOR and the present conditions of church life, following which they escorted their guests to a vacant apartment belonging to the Aguayo Rojas family, local parishioners who are currently holidaying in Argentina
AMB
