NEW YORK: 23 September 2024
Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York sends greetings to Metropolitan German of Kursk and Rylsk and the brethren of Kursk-Root Hermitage on the feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos

To His Eminence German
Metropolitan of Kursk and Rylsk
and the brethren of Kursk-Root Hermitage

Your Eminence, Vladyka!

I heartily congratulate you, Holy Vladyka, and Hegumen Seraphim and the brethren on the feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos and the 729th anniversary of the discovery of the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God!

Today you have the special consolation and joy of praying within the walls of Kursk-Root Hermitage. I cannot but recall the days when by the mercy of God I served in this holy monastery and enjoyed its grace-filled power. Never, until my last breath, will I forget the blessed days I spent with you. And now, as I celebrate the festal services, I add my humble prayers to yours, that the Most-Blessed Hodegetria bless both the Russian Church Abroad and the Kursk Metropolia, which are bound together by close bonds of fraternal friendship. We believe that the Mother of God will heed our joint prayers addressed to Her, and will bless our flock, helping us through joint efforts to strengthen peace in the whole world and achieve the unity of the Orthodox in the one flock of Christ.

From the bottom of my heart I wish you all many years of life, good health and strength to continue your feats for the glory of God and for the benefit of people visiting this holy place!

Asking your holy prayers, I remain with love in the Lord,

+ NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia