Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
4 Jan 09: Nativity Epistle of His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad
Most Reverend brother Archpastors, Reverend Fathers, beloved brothers, sisters and children in Christ!
I address the fullness of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia with heartfelt Christmas greetings for the first time. I am in need of God’s great mercy, which completes that which is wanting, for the new and lofty ministry which has been placed upon me. I request your prayers for the Lord to strengthen me in this new and responsible obedience.
During these holy days I congratulate you with the great feast of the Nativity of Christ from the distant city of Sydney, the cathedral see of the Australian and New Zealand Diocese. It is my prayer that we may all partake of that sublime and inalienable peace, of which the angels sang on that holy night above the town of Bethlehem, when “the Word became flesh” (John 1:14). (more…)
Преосвященные собратья-архипастыри, всечестные отцы-сослужители, дорогие братья, сестры и дети мои во Христе! Примите мое первое рождественское приветствие, обращенное к Полноте Русской Зарубежной Церкви. Для нового и столь высокого служения мне необходима особая милость Божия, обновляющая мои скудные силы. Усердно прошу всех вас молиться о том, чтобы Господь укрепил меня в несении нового и ответственного послушания.
The Diocese of Great Britain and Ireland of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia has established a new website at 
DIOCESAN ANNOUNCEMENT: A recent news item concerning services in the Antarctic contains erroneous information pertaining Metropolitan Hilarion. His Eminence will remain in the Australian and New Zealand Diocese until 22nd January 2009 and will lead the services for both The Nativity and The Baptism of our Lord Jesus Christ at the Diocesan Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Strathfield, Sydney.
