NEW YORK: 20 October 2025
The First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad congratulates Metropolitan Longin of Midwestern America of the Serbian Orthodox Church

№ 06/10/25

To His Eminence
The Most Reverend LONGIN
Archbishop of New Gracanica-Chicago
Metropolitan of the Midwest American Diocese

Your Eminence,
Most Reverend Vladyko:

Please accept my sincere, heartfelt congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of your seventieth birthday, the golden jubilee of your monastic and priestly service, and the fortieth anniversary of your personal Pentecost! I also congratulate you on the recent feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, which is the patronal feast of the holy New Gracanica Monastery you head.

Responding at a young age to the call of Our Lord Jesus Christ, you accepted His “yoke of grace” and were clothed with the grace of the priesthood, striving to worthily carry out the work of a herald (2 Timothey 4:5). Having become a successor of the Apostles, you joined the ranks of young hierarchs, dedicating your life entirely to the service of the Holy Church. You, as a fearless warrior of Christ, have victoriously overcome temptations, difficulties, and trials encountered along your path. It is truly heartening and touching to see that now, as before, in all circumstances of life and ministry, you diligently strive to set an example of spiritual steadfastness, devotion to God, and faithfulness to your calling. Your high authority among fellow archpastors is so evident, and the love of the clergy, flock, and faithful outside the Church toward you is so sincere.

We pray that our All-Merciful Lord Jesus Christ strengthen your spiritual and physical powers in the great and sacrificial service of the Serbian Orthodox Church, with which we share common fathers and mentors, so that He may continue to bless your labors and good endeavors, and grant His ineffable mercies and bounties, which He bestows upon those who love Him.

Praying to Saint and Wonderworker Jonah (Pokrovsky), Bishop of Khankousk, who devoutly fell asleep exactly one hundred years ago, we ask Your High Eminence on this bright and memorable day for abundant gifts of the grace of the Holy Spirit and the warm intercession of this saint.

Eis polla eti despota!

Asking for the holy prayers, I remain with fraternal love in the Lord,

+NICHOLAS
Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York
First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia