The Synod of Bishops Issues 2 Documents:
Appeal to the Flock and Appeal to the Clergy of the Western European Diocese
Autumnal Session of the Synod of Bishops
From 5-10 November, the 75th anniversary of the Cathedral of the Mother of God "Joy of All Who Sorrow" in San Francisco, and the 50th anniversary of the Church of All Russian Saints in Burlingame, were celebrated in the Western American Diocese. The celebrations were joined by the eminent members of the Synod of Bishops, headed by the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, Metropolitan Laurus.
The services coincided with the regular session of the Synod of Bishops, which addressed current matters of the dioceses and of church life. The participants of the sessions issued two Appeals. The first was to the clergy of the Western European Diocese, and the second to all of the children of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia:
Appeal to the Clergy of the Western European Diocese
Reverend Fathers and Brothers in Christ!
We greet you and thank you for your filial love and devotion to your archpastor, and for your care for the peace and well-being of your diocese. Bishop Ambroise reported to the Synod of Bishops on the unrest amongst the clergy of the Western American Diocese over the discord arising from the anti-Church activities of troublemakers who have wrought rebellion and schism.
We fully share your concern.
At the same time, the Synod of Bishops, fulfilling its obligation in its care for the Church, finds it necessary to express patient condescension to those who have falled into schism, and through this condescension, the Synod has not violated the fundamental Law of our life and faith--Gospel Law. For this reason we ask you, as loyal children of our Church, to also have condescension to the apostates. The deception of schism is becoming more and more apparent even to these self-same rebels, and so we do not wish to block the path back to truth and repentance for those who may not immediately have recognized the error of their blunder, yet still reject the schismatics and turn to us. Is it not for us who stand on the solid rock of the Church to "bear the burden of the weak?" In the name of conversion and salvation of our brethren who have fallen into schism, "Bear ye another's burdens and so fulfill the Law of Christ."
May the Grace of God and the Peace of Christ be with you forever. Amen.
PRESIDENT of the Synod of Bishops,