Congratulations to the Archbishop of St. Petersburg and Northern Russian, the Right Reverend Sophrony, on his 10th Anniversary of Consecration as Bishop, from the Archbishop of Syracuse and St. Nicholas, the Right Reverend Andronik.

To His Eminence, the Right Reverend Sophrony, Archbishop of St. Petersburg and Northern Russia

Dear in the Lord, Vladyka Sophrony!

Despite your relatively young age, it has been ten years since your ordination to the episcopate. I remember well that memorable day, because I was fortunate to participate in your consecration, although I myself was also just a newly-consecrated bishop. I remember it as if it was yesterday!

Since then, we have experienced much together and this friendship has given us the strength to endure the difficulties that have befallen us. Together we have defended the Truth when it was trampled on by our fellow bishops, and with the help of God, we managed to remain on the path that our Russian Church Abroad has always followed. I hope that we may continue to work together in the strengthening of the Body of Christ – His Holy Church.

I wish you, dear Vladyka, good health, salvation and God’s help in your difficult ministry.

With love in Christ,

Your brother

Archbishop Andronik