NEW YORK: February 13, 2008
A Delegation of the Russian Church Abroad Headed by Metropolitan Laurus Will Visit Nice, Cannes and Moscow

On February 15, 2008, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus, along with a delegation representing the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, will depart for Nice, France. The next day, His Eminence and his companions will visit the Russian Cathedral and will then participate in all-night vigil at Archangel Michael Church in Cannes. The following day, His Eminence will officiate at Divine Liturgy at that church.

From February 18-29, the delegation will be in Moscow. The delegation will participate in the celebrations of the namesday of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II.

On February 19, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus of Eastern America and New York will be awarded the "Compatriot of the Year, 2007" at the Moscow's City Hall.

This prize takes the form of a crystal globe with a clump of Russian earth inside. It is awarded to eminent Russian social and professional figures abroad who are very influential in the life of the Russian diaspora, its consolidation and strengthening in the world.

The "Compatriot of the Year" award is an expression of society's recognition and appreciation of special contributions made by people who manifest the finest spiritual, intellectual and cultural traditions of the Russian diaspora, and is meant to elevate the self-awareness and national pride of the Russian people, to strengthen the bonds between generations, and to foster a positive attitude in other countries towards the Russian diaspora and its historic homeland, Russia.

From February 20-22, the delegation will participate in the World Russian People's Council.

On February 22, the delegation will meet with teachers and students of St Tikhon Orthodox Humanitarian University.

The President of the Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the other delegates will participate in divine services in the churches of Moscow: February 23, all-night vigil at Danilov Monastery; February 24, Divine Liturgy at Sretensky Monastery.

The delegation will also participate in divine services led by His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II: on February 24, all-night vigil at Epiphany Cathedral; and on February 25, Divine Liturgy at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

On February 27, His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus will receive an award from the Fund of St Andrew the First-called, "For Faith and Faithfulness." The same day, the delegation is scheduled to visit SS Martha and Maria Convent and the Publishing Council of the Russian Orthodox Church.

His Eminence Metropolitan Laurus will be accompanied by His Grace Bishop Gabriel of Manhattan; His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland; Protopriest Serafim Gan; Protodeacon Joseph Jarostchuk; Protodeacon Victor Lochmatov; Deacon Nicholas Olhovsky; and George Selinsky, the delegation photographer. In addition, participating in the divine services in Moscow will be His Eminence Archbishop Mark of Berlin and Germany; His Grace Bishop Michael of Geneva and Western Europe; the Synodal Treasurer Protopriest Peter Holodny; Protopriest Peter Perekrestov; and Priest Alexandre Antchoutine.