PRESS RELEASE
 
9/22 April 2004

Press Release
Concerning the Resolution of the Matter of the Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir
in San Francisco

His Eminence Archbishop Kyrill of the Western American Diocese and the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia announce the settlement of the matter concerning the Russian Convent of Our Lady of Vladimir in San Francisco.

Under the Holy Canons of the Church, property of local monasteries and parishes has always been considered property of the Church and under the supervision of the diocesan bishop. On April 21, 2004, in order to avoid a lengthy and expensive trial, the parties reached a settlement that allows the elderly nuns to reside in the Convent property located in Moss Beach, and which will remain with the Church Abroad. Other issues were also addressed and equitably resolved.

The Archbishop and the Synod of Bishops deeply sense their obligations to the thousands of parishioners of the Church Abroad who have supported the Convent over the decades.

The Chancery
of the Synod of Bishops
of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia