Dear Brother and Sisters in Christ,

It is with great sadness that I informed you that our First Hieararch and beloved Ruling Bishop, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, reposed yesterday. I have since heard that Vladyka was at all the services for the first week of Lent, that he served both Presanctified Lituries, read the canon of St. Andrew of Crete each of the four days. Vladyka quietly reposed in his sleep. I was told that on Friday, Vladyka Metropolitan told one of his deacons that "my work is done."
I ask that all keep Vladyka in your prayers. Vladyka did so much for our Church, but first and foremost, in my view, was is example. Vladyka was always first a monk, and for him, his service as First Hierarch and Metropolitan was out of obedience to the Church. Vladyka was always an example of humility, obedience and prayer. May we learn from this example.
Vladyka often taught on the need of asking for forgiveness and to forgive. May we learn from this as well.
On Tuesday we will serve a panakhida service at Holy Epiphany at 6:30 p.m.
We will serve Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday night as scheduled, followed by a litia for the departed.
Vladyka's Funeral will take place in Jordanville, NY on Friday at 11:00 a.m. Please see the Synod website for more details ( www.russianorthodoxchurch.ws ).
The Akathist which was scheduled in our church for Friday is canceled. Likewisee, there will be no church school on Saturday.
Vigil services for Saturday night will be served as scheduled, God willing
Priest Victor Boldewskul

ДЖОРДАНВИЛЬ: 16 марта 2008 г.

Скончался Высокопреосвященнейший Митрополит Лавр

Сегодня, в день Торжества Православия, отошел ко Господу Высокопреосвященнейший Митрополит Лавр, Первоиерарх Русской Зарубежной Церкви.
Новопреставленный Высокопреосвященнейший Владыка Лавр «подвигом добрым подвизался, течение скончал, веру соблюл и победителем многолетнего разделения в Русской Церкви явился».
Царствие Небесное Его Высокопреосвященству и Вечная память!

Панихида по Митрополиту Лавру в Богоявленском храме Бостонона.

Во вторник, 18 Марта, в 6:30 вечера, будет отслужена панихида по Митрополиту Лавру в Церкви Богоявления в Бостон.