Message to All Diocesan Hierarchs

                This message is to inform you that a regular meeting of the Holy Synod took place on July 25, 2014, at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill at Danilov Monastery in Moscow.

             You are asked to become acquainted with the following decisions of the Holy Synod as they pertain to the respective dioceses of the Moscow Patriarchate

 1. The second point of Journal № 74, with the report of His Eminence Varsonofy of Saint Petersburg and Ladoga, Chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate, Secretary of the “Inter-Council Presence” on the development of the “Profile Commission” of the Inter-Council Presence, the Holy Synod determined:

Archpastors, pastors and faithful children of the Church should be reminded that the most important manifestation of the spiritual community of the parish is the joint participation of the clergy and parishioners in the Holy Eucharist and liturgical life, a wealth of opportunities that should be used to develop a sense of ownership of the laity to the life of the Church. Parish clergy should strengthen the laity in every way to have a sense of belonging to a particular parish community as well as a responsibility for the life of said parish. A sense of community and responsibility for the parish can be developed through the expansion of personal communication between parishioners, through their daily involvement in the decision of parish affairs and practical care of the parish. It is not just useful to have Parish Statutes, but to hold actual meetings of parishioners to discuss the issues within the life of the parish.

 2. The first point of the Journal № 80, with the report of His Eminence Metropolitan Kliment of Kaluga and Borovsk, Chairman of the Commission for Church Social Activity and Charity of the Inter-council Presence, the Holy Synod approved the “Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church for the Promoting of Sobriety and the Prevention of Alcoholism”

 3. The second point of the Journal № 80, with the report of Abbot Andronicus (Trubachev), Secretary of the Synodal Commission for Divine Services, the Holy Synod approved the inclusion into the Church Services the “Service of Intercession (Moleben) For Those Suffering From Alcoholism and Drug Addiction

4. The third point of the Journal № 80, with the proposition of His Eminence Metropolitan Juvenaly of Krutisty and Kolomna, the Holy Synod approved the yearly celebration of the “Day of Sobriety” on September 11 (August 29), the day of the Beheading of St. John the Baptist. It is recommended that Archpastors and Clergy on this day:

a. Dedicate a sermon describing the importance of keeping a “sober lifestyle”

b. Celebrate the “Service of Intercession (Moleben) For Those Suffering From Alcoholism and Drug Addiction”

c. If possible, cooperate with local state affiliates regarding the promotion of sobriety and drug prevention.

 All Diocesan Hierarchs are asked to distribute the above message to all clergy of the respective dioceses.

With Love in Christ,

+ Varsonofy

Chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate

Metropolitan of St. Petersburg and Ladoga

 Approved for Publication, His Grace Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk

Translated from the Original Russian by Reader George Konyev,

Patriarchal Parishes in the USA – August 2014