Sts Cyril and Methodius Orthodox Institute
15 Feb 08: Days 10-11 in South America, 13-14 February 2008
Day 10
In the morning Vladyka met with the clergymen who, since May 2007, have aligned themselves with bishop Agathangel of Odessa (of the so-called THCA ROCA), though previously they had been subject to the Bishops’ Council of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, under the chairmanship of the First Hierarch of ROCOR, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus.
The meeting, which was held at the hotel where the ROCOR delegates were staying, went calmly and peacefully. Besides Vladyka and his co-travellers those who were present included: Archpriests George Petrenko, Constantine Bussygin, priest Vladimir Petrenko and deacon Eugeny Braga. Though the discussion proceeded for over an hour, the result was similar to the meeting in Chile with Fr. Benjamin (see Days 3-5 in South America) and the friends and alumni of the Holy Trinity Seminary remained steadfast in their opinions with the hope that with God’s help the disorder in the Church may be overcome.
After the meeting Fr. George and his son Fr Vladimir had lunch with the ROCOR delegates. Immediately following which they gave the delegates a tour of their churches and introduced them to their families. Whilst at the Holy Trinity church, Vladyka served a brief moleben for the health of matushka Valentina Petrenko and the servant of God Lydia.
In the evening Fr. Vladimir took Vladika and his companions to the apartment of Vladimir and Natalia Shigaev for dinner. The well organised dinner was conducted in a friendly manner. Late in the evening Vladyka returned to his hotel.
AMB