Greeting of S.N. Mikhalkov

To His Eminence, the Most Reverend Metropolitan Laurus, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad and Rector of Holy Trinity Seminary; to Archimandrite Luke, Dean of Holy Trinity Monastery and Deputy of Holy Trinity Monastery; to Deacon Vladimir Tsurikov, Assistant Dean and Director of the Holy Trinity Seminary Archive and Library; to the Participants of the International Conference Dedicated to the Seventieth Anniversary of the Repose of Metropolitan Antonii (Khrapovitskii).

Your Eminence!

Reverend Archpastors, Esteemed Brothers and Sisters, Respected Conference Participants!

I sincerely greet your lofty assembly dedicated to the memory of the extraordinary hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church and first First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Metropolitan Anontii (Khrapovitskii). The Most Blessed Metropolitan Antonii performed the ascetic feat of service to the Church, preserving undying the lamp of Orthodoxy in the Russian diaspora during the most difficult years for the Russian people, when the darkness of the atheist authority reigned in Russia. He was an outstanding theologian and theological writer of encyclopedic scale who left us an entire library of his works, now republished in Russia. His entire life serves as an example of the active service of the Church of Christ and a source of inspiration for new generations of Orthodox.

The experience of the conscientious investigation and study of the legacy of Metropolitan Antonii is indeed priceless for the fruitful resolution of many contemporary problems in the rebirth of Russia.

I, with all my heart, prayerfully wish you creative success in your noble undertaking.

Yours truly,

N. S. Mikhalkov,

President of the Russian Fund of Culture.