RUSSIAN ECCLESIASTICAL MISSION IN JERUSALEM: August 30, 2006
The First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia Visits Gorny Convent

On August 30, 2006, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus visited Gorny Convent in Jerusalem. The delegation was met by the Head of the Moscow Patriarchate Mission, Archimandrite Elisei, Abbess Georgia, head of the Convent, along with its clergymen and nuns at the entrance to the Church of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God.

His Eminence and his clerical entourage venerated the Shroud of the Most-Holy Mother of God and the holy icons of the church. Fr Elisei, greeting the Head of the Russian Church Abroad from the ambo, noted that the nuns of both the Mount of Olives and Gethsemane Convents are from among Russians living abroad, while in Gorny Convent, the nuns are primarily from our Fatherland. The peace already achieved between our three Russian convents in the Holy City reflects the spirit of unity of the monastics of Russia and abroad, and also gives hope for speedy canonical unity through the prayers and blessing of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Metropolitan Laurus, in his response, said: "Only by living in peace will we obtain our salvation and find the paths to overcoming the divisions in the Russian Church."

The discussion continued at tea at the residence of Mother Georgia, who touchingly remembered those who participated in her spiritual calling, and told of the life and work of the holy monastery.

Fr Elisei showed the visiting delegation the completed external renovations of the Cathedral of All Russian Saints. Bidding farewell to the Head of the Mission, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus wished him Divine help in his fruitful labors in adorning the convent.