NEW YORK: May 12, 2008
Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, Primate-Elect of the Russian Church Abroad, Sends An Appeal to His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II

To His Holiness Patriarch Alexy
of Moscow and All Russia 

Your Holiness, Holy Vladyko! 

I respectfully send to Your Holiness the Act of the election of my unworthiness as First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. In accordance with the Act of Canonical Communion, I ask Your Holiness’ blessing and I request the confirmation by Your Holiness and the Holy Synod of the Moscow Patriarchate of this election, made by the Council of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. 

With love in the Lord, and asking your holy prayers, 

+Hilarion

Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York