The Diocese of Germany of ROCOR marked the centenary of its establishment with a solemn Divine Liturgy. On Friday, May 1, the divine service in Holy New Martyrs & Confessors of Russia Cathedral in Munich was officiated by His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, along with all the hierarchs of ROCOR, as well as Metropolitan Peter of Prespa & Pelagonia (Macedonian Orthodox Church) and Archbishop Tikhon of Ruza, Administrator of the German Diocese of the Moscow Patriarchate, Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Head of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem (ROCOR), cathedral dean Archpriest Nikolai Artemoff, and about 100 priests and deacons of the German Diocese and visiting clergy from around the world.

During Liturgy, a special memorial litany was offered, in which all deceased hierarchs, priests, and leaders of the German Diocese were commemorated.

During the minor entrance, for 45 years of service to the Church and the diocese, Fr. Nikolai was awarded the right to wear a second pectoral cross. Also, for many years of service, Archpriest Josif Vavniuk and Archpriest Sergiy Manoshkin were awarded the right to wear the miter.

At the end of the service, the First Hierarch addressed those gathered with an archpastoral sermon. First of all, he congratulated his fellow hierarch – Metropolitan Mark of Berlin & Germany, as well as the vicar of the German Diocese, Bishop Job of Stuttgart, and all who labor for the good of the diocese. Metropolitan Nicholas expressed special gratitude to Metropolitan Mark for his example, kindness, and for preserving and passing on the spiritual heritage of the diocese.

Metropolitan Nicholas emphasized that the German Diocese, throughout its century-long service, strengthens the people in faith and educates the youth in the Orthodox tradition. He noted that the hierarchs of the Church always strive to act virtuously: "Our task is to understand that God is with us; realizing this, our task is to bring something of ourselves and return it to God, as our ancestors did."

He also called to remember those who dedicated themselves to preserving the Church and church life, raising children, and maintaining the sanctity of Holy Rus’. According to him, the current generation was given a great heritage that has been preserved, and now the main task is to pass this precious legacy on to future generations for the glory of God and for the salvation of people.

Metropolitan Mark then addressed those gathered with words of welcome. He expressed gratitude for the visit of the hierarchs and for holding the Council of Bishops in the German Diocese, emphasizing: 'It is a great honor to serve together and to celebrate the centenary of our diocese.' Metropolitan Mark noted that the German diocese has historically been closely connected with Russia, sharing both the severe trials and the joys of its fate. He also highlighted the significance of the fact that not only hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad participated in the celebrations, but also representatives of the Moscow Patriarchate and the Macedonian Church.

Archbishop Kyrill of San Francisco & Western America presented Metropolitan Mark with an icon of Righteous Olga of Alaska containing a particle of her relics.

For her warm hospitality and contribution to the organization and conduct of the Council, Abbess Maria (Sidiropoulou), the abbess of the convent in Buchendorf near Munich, was awarded the Order of the Kursk Root Icon. For supporting the German Diocese and the generous assistance provided to the Hierarchal Council, Protodeacon Vadim Novinsky was awarded the Synodal Kursk Root Order of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia, 2nd Class.

The fellowship of the First Hierarch, archpastors, clergy, and worshippers continued over a festal luncheon.

www.synod.com