JERUSALEM: September 6, 2011
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad Celebrates Divine Liturgy at Gorny Convent 

On September 6, 2011, as part of a pilgrimage to the Holy Land, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, visited Gorny Convent, where he celebrated Divine Liturgy. His Eminence was joined in the service by the Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, Archimandrite Isidor, the Vice Chief, Hegumen Feofan, the Mission Secretary Hieromonk Antony, clergymen of the Mission and pilgrims in the clerical rank accompanying Metropolitan Hilarion.

Also in attendance was Abbess Georgia of Gorny Convent, Abbess Moissea of Holy Ascension Convent on the Mount of Olives and Abbess Elizabeth of Gethsemane Convent.

After the services, Metropolitan Hilarion addressed Fr Isidor and Abbess Georgia, thanking them for the opportunity to serve on this holy site: “I wish you Divine help, strength and patience in carrying your important duties,” said the Metropolitan.

Later that evening, Archimandrite Isidor invited the pilgrims for a reception at the headquarters of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem.