Greeting of Patriarch Alexy II

To the Participants of the International Conference on the Life and Activity of Metropolitan Antonii (Khrapovitskii)

(Jordanville, October 6-7, 2006)

Your Eminence, Beloved in the Lord Fathers, Brothers, and Sisters, Esteemed Conference Participants!

I greet all who have gathered for the conference dedicated to the life and activity of the eminent hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church, Metropolitan Antonii (Khrapovitskii).

The work assumed by the participants of the conference is of great significance for attaining a deeper understanding of ecclesiastical history as well as for the fruitful development of the current dialogue between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Church Abroad. Metropolitan Anthony proved to be a brilliant archpastor in the pre-revolutionary years, having done a great deal toward the restoration of the patriarchate and the development of Orthodox mission. The eminent hierarch's labors in the area of pastoral theology are widely known. In the years of the emigration, Metropolitan Antonii devoted no small effort to the care of Orthodox refugees, becoming a father to those who, due to tragic circumstances, found themselves cut off from their Fatherland.

I hope that this conference will make a contribution towards the discovery of this great hiearch's personality and serve as an important step in the study of his legacy.

I sincerely wish the participants of the conference God's help in their efforts for the good of the Church and of the study of history.

With love in the Lord,

Alexy II, Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia