NEW YORK: October 13, 2009
Metropolitan Hilarion Sends Greetings to Archbishop Alypy of Chicago and Mid-America

To His Eminence Archbishop Alypy
of Chicago and Mid-America,
To His Grace Bishop Peter of Cleveland,
To the Clergy, Parishioners and Worshipers of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Chicago:

Your Eminence, Your Grace, Reverend Fathers, dear-in-the-Lord Brothers and Sisters:

On this festive and important feast day and 60th anniversary of the founding of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral in Chicago, we sense particular piety and gratitude towards the Lord God for these six decades of the good church life of the parish. With prayers of thanks we recall also all the archpastors, clergymen and laity who have departed into eternity, and those who are still with us, who lay the foundations for this parish and continue to support it with their devotion to the Holy Church of Christ and their sacrifices.
 
I send my heartfelt greetings on this wonderful anniversary to all you archpastors, clergymen, warden, members of the parish council, the choir and sisterhood and all the parishioners and worshipers of Holy Virgin Protection Cathedral.
 
I thank all those for their benevolent and self-sacrificing labors in benefit of the Cathedral parish and I prayerfully wish for the continuing vibrant and fruitful activities in all aspects of life, and I call upon you God's blessing.

With love in the Lord,
+ Hilarion,
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York,
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
13 October 2009