Epistles of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad

This epistle to the flock was delivered on the ocassion of the glorification of the New Martyrs of Russia. In it, the Bishops of the Church Abroad express the unity in spirit with the new martyrs and the catacomb church.

In this extremely important epistle, the council of bishops outlines the responsibility of the Church Abroad in Russia, and explains the reasons for the establishment of a church administration there.

This is an unofficial translation of the recent epistle of Metropolitan Vitaly.

This resolution clearly defines the position of the Church Abroad towards the ecclessiastical body known as the Moscow Patriarchate. In this document, the Sobor denounces the election of Patriarch Pimen on behalf of the persecuted Russian Church, and cites canons that excommunicate both the illegally elected "patriarch" and all who commune with him.

While the Moscow Patriarchate sat in stony silence in the face of an unprecedented persecution of Orthodox Christians and the use of cruel and unusual psychiatric tortures, the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia issued an epistle appealing to the conscience of the world, and calling for prayers for the persecuted brethren.

This is one of many documents clearly revealing the difference between the fearless voice of the Church Abroad and the officially-approved testimony of silence carried by the Moscow Patriarchate into the World Council of Churches and other international fora.

This declaration clearly enunciates the ecclessiological position of the Church in Exile, rejecting the false self-proclaimed "patriarch" Sergius and proclaiming the sufferings of the Catacomb Church, here clearly identified as the "persecuted Russian Church" as opposed to the false official church, which is identified as the servant of Belial.

A letter addressing appropriate relations with the MP, and the ecclessiological position of the Church in Exile.

The following is part one of a rather strong letter written by Metropolitan Philaret to Abbess Magdalena of Lesna. It is "strict ecclesiology" expressed most eloquently. A clear witness of the teachings of the Holy Church is evident. It should be noted that this letter was composed after the "Sorrowful Epistles." Blessed Philaret did approach the other churches in a plea for unity, but rather than heed the words of the Fathers and 2000 year witness of the Church, many chose to break unity with the Church Abroad and continue on their schismatic path which has led to greater and greater shipwreck.

Originally Published in "The Heavenly Abode"

An epistle of the first hierarch from March 1998, clearly stating his views on world Orthodoxy, the Moscow Patriarch, and the ROCA. A must read in view of the current situation of our church.

The epistle of Metropolitan Vitaly, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Bishop of Montreal and All Canada, delivered on Pascha 2001.