The Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia

NEW YORK: March 23, 2017
St Seraphim Memorial Church Hosts a Lecture by a Member of the Inter-Council Presence on the Memory of Metropolitan Laurus and the 10th Anniversary of the Unity Within the Russian Church and the Forthcoming Council of Bishops of the Russian Church Abroad

On Sunday, March 19, 2017, the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross, Protopriest Serafim Gan, Rector of St Seraphim Church Memorial Church of the Reestablishment of Unity Within the Russian Orthodox Church in Sea Cliff, NY, celebrated the Divine Liturgy of St Basil the Great, and on the evening before, all-night vigil with the veneration of the Cross. He was joined by Protodeacon Paul Wolkow and Deacon Andre Psarev, teacher at Holy Trinity Seminary in Jordanville, NY, who is also a member of the Inter-Council Presence of the Russian Orthodox Church.

After Liturgy, the worshipers were invited to attend a trapeza followed by a lecture by Fr Andre titled “Goals and Challeges Facing the Russian Church Abroad and Their Conciliar Resolution.” The talk centered on Metropolitan Laurus, the 10th anniversary of the reestablishment of canonical unity between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church and the forthcoming Council of Bishops of ROCOR.

Deacon Andre discussed the significance of the All-Russian Local Church Council for the Russian Church Abroad based on Holy Tradition, and the words of Metropolitan Laurus of blessed memory, trying to express the Orthodox viewpoint of the concept of conciliarity [collegiality] and offered his thoughts on strengthening the Church.

Despite the preceding Great-Lenten services, the unusual weather and cares of contemporary life, the event provoked intense and thoughtful discussion, including the history of the Russian Church and the challenges of a rapidly-changing world.

Joining in the discussion was Hieromonk Photius (Oulanov) of neighboring Intercession Church in Glen Cove, the spiritual father of Novo-Diveevo Convent in Nanuet, NY. Fr Serafim then offered his profound gratitude to Fr Andre for his services and lecture, for his wise and sober attitude towards the complexities of Church life and his perpetual willingness to discuss these matters.

The Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia will take place on June 9-15 of this year.