MOSCOW: April 11, 2011
His Holiness Patriarch Kirill Congratulates Bishop Jerome on His 35th Anniversary as a Clergyman

On April 11, 2011, His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia sent a congratulatory greeting to His Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Vicar of the Diocese of Eastern America and New York, on the 35th anniversary of his clerical service:

To Your Grace Bishop Jerome of Manhattan, Vicar of the Eastern American Diocese.

Your Grace!

Please accept my genuine congratulations on the significant 35th anniversary of your clerical service, along with my prayerful wishes for strength, boldness of spirit and blessed help from the Master, the Lover of Mankind.

Since your youth, your entire life has been suffused with the fervent desire to serve the Lord and His Holy Church. You searched with an open heart for “the face of the God of Jacob” (Psalms 24:6) and with joy you accepted Orthodoxy. Fulfilling many obediences laid upon you, you have displayed the image of Christian meekness, humility and devotion to your calling. Now, in the rank of bishop, you zealously labor in the Eastern American Diocese, making no small contribution to the development of Orthodox spiritual education.

In recognition of your earnest service and on the 35th anniversary of accepting the priesthood, I deem it proper to award you a panaghia.

May the great mercies of the Founder of the spiritual labors for our salvation accompany you in your archpastoral duties in the Vineyard of God.

With love in Christ,

+KIRILL,
PATRIARCH OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA