His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus Visits the Parishes of Wiesbaden and Darmstadt

On May 20, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus along with his escorting clergymen visited parishes in Wiesbaden and Darmstadt, where, venerating the icons of the churches, they met with the local clergymen.

During his conversation with the senior priest of the Church of St Elisabeth in Wiesbaden, His Eminence learned that the Wiesbaden parish was celebrating the 150th anniversary of the consecration of the magnificent church this year, and next year, the 100th anniversary of its cemetery. At the cemetery, His Eminence performed a pannikhida at the graves of Metropolitan Seraphim of Berlin and Germany, Archbishop Alexander and Archbishop Theophilus of Berlin and Germany, Archbishop Nathaniel of Vienna and Austria, Bishop Wassily of Vienna and Austria and the reposed rectors of St Elisabeth Chuch in Wiesbaden. Interred here also are renowned figures of the Russian diaspora from among church and lay society. His Eminence viewed all the graves, crossing himself at each and praying for all "reposed herein," many of whom were important in building "Russian Abroad," by preserving the Orthodox faith, the Russian language and Russian cultural wealth outside the borders of their Fatherland, which was suffering at that time at the hands of the atheists.

At the church of St Mary Magdalene in Darmstadt, also built before the 1917 Revolution, His Eminence examined the restoration work being done here and spoke with the parish rector.

It is interesting to note that the Diocese of Berlin and Germany has over 10 Tsarist-era churches, lovingly preserved by His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany, His Grace Bishop Agapit of Stuttgart, their clergy and flock.

The following morning, sharing a repast with the parishioners of the Stuttgart church, His Eminence departed for Munich to head the consecration of St Nicholas Chapel at the Munich Cathedral.