To His Reverence, Protopriest George Larin 
Dear Reverend Fr George: 

I send my heartfelt greetings to you on the 40th anniversary of your having received the flame-like grace of the priesthood! 

The Holy Church says that “wondrous is God in his saints.” And today, the feast day of Holy Great Martyr Catherine, who endured enormous suffering for her Lord and Savior, we sing to her: “we honor thy righteous suffering for the sake of Christ.”  

Today we raise our prayers to St Catherine that she pray before the Altar of God, Who would send to you today and your wife, celebrating her namesday today, patience and heavenly aid for the fervent fulfillment of the Gospel’s testaments, as well as many successes in your tireless efforts in the difficult service of God and mankind. From my entire soul I wish you and Ekaterina Yurievna good health and many years of life to the benefit of Holy Virgin Protection Church in Nyack, to the consolation of its parishioners and worshipers.  

With love in the Lord, asking you prayers, 

HILARION,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia 

December 7, 2009