The Shepherd, July 2009
North American Administrative District
of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad
Diocesan Center / St. Nicholas Convent Fund,
626 Landing Rd N., Rochester, NY 14625, U.S.A.
Diocesan Center Fund Committee:
His Eminence, Archbishop Andronik,
Mother Agapia, Princess Irina Bagration
Vladimir Skok, George Gerasimowicz
May 9/22, 2009
St. Nicholas of Myra
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
With the blessings of ROCA First Hierarch Metropolitan Agafangel and Archbishop Andronik of Ottawa and North America, a campaign has been started to purchase property for use as a diocesan center for the ROCA in North America.
Such a property would include:
1. A residence for the ruling bishop and a monastic brotherhood;
2. A monastic community (female) dedicated to daily services;
3. Establishment of a cemetery on the grounds;
4. Organization of on-site youth & clergy retreats, choir conferences, and seminars;
5. Establishment of a library to serve as an archive and repository of documents, periodicals and books pertaining to the traditions, heritage and history of the ROCA.
Among the options we are considering, an opportunity has presented itself to buy a 150-acre property in central New York State that has a house, a freestanding chapel and four large barns and outbuildings. It is necessary to raise $125,000 immediately for the down payment. At present, we have a commitment of $60,000. Along with donations towards the down payment, a second campaign is also underway to target donors who can make regular monthly pledges of $100., that will be applied towards the mortgage payments.
One of the casualties of the grievous union of the Russian Church under Metropolitan Hilarion with the Moscow Patriarchate (MP) has been the loss of a home for many monastics, who would not accept such a union. The establishment of a diocesan center with a brotherhood and a convent would serve as a residence to help support these monastics.
When it is established, a diocesan center will also be a great source of spiritual hope and inspiration for our parishes and far-flung parishioners, who have resisted union with the MP. It is said: Where there is no vision, the people perish (Prov. 29:18). A diocesan center that is foremost a monastic community centered on prayer and the salvation of one’s soul, but also available to support and encourage activities for the welfare of all in the ROCA, is a vision worth bringing to fruition. It will take the help and talents of all of us to make this happen. May the Lord bless!
Please contribute to this effort. Tax-deductible [i.e. in USA] donations and requests of those who wish to make monthly pledges may be sent to: ROCA Assistance Fund, PO Box 7119, Falls Church, VA 22040.
Checks should be made to the ROCA Assistance Fund and designated for: Diocesan Center/St. Nicholas Convent. …
May God bless you for your support of this endeavor!
Yours in Christ,
Archbishop Andronik, Mother Agapia,
Archbishop of Ottawa and North America Superior, Saint Nicholas Convent
Further inquiries regarding the Center may be addressed to Mother Agapia by phone at 585-385-3091; or by e-mail: m_agapia@yahoo.com.au
DONORS in the UK, may, if they wish, send contributions to us at Brookwood, and made out to “Saint Edward Brotherhood.” We have a US dollars account and will convert your gift into dollars and send it on to the Fund. This will save you banking charges for the exchange. Please clearly earmark your donation for this appeal.
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