A New Bishop In the Russian Orthodox Church Abroad

During the 24 June / 7 July 2004 session of the Synod of Bishops, Metropolitan Vitaly, the First-Hierarch of ROCA, addressed all their Eminences as follows:

«Your Eminences!

I am bringing to your attention the fact that two years ago, due to the difficult circumstances being experienced by our Church, Fr. Nikita Orlov was secretly elevated to the episcopacy.

Not wanting to deprive the Church of a faithful servant in the episcopacy as well, I request that your Eminences accept Bishop Antonii (Orlov) as our new brother within the episcopacy of our Church.

I ask that all the Hierarchs confirm the new eparchy of Los Angeles and South America, with His Grace, Antonii, being appointed to govern it.

Signature: + Metropolitan Vitaly».

The members of the Synod of Bishops who expressed their agreement and sealed it with their signatures:

The same text was subsequently signed by Bishops Antony (Rudei) and Viktor (Pivovarov).

Bishop Anastasii sent the following letter:

«Your Eminence!

In response to your Appeal of 24 June / 7 July 2004, № 30/04/M, concerning the acceptance of a new brother-bishop, Antonii (Orlov) of Los Angeles and South America, I respectully declare: I accept and kiss our new brother, Bishop Antonii, and pray that [our] all-merciful God grant him strength and patience to fulfill his episcopal service in the newly-established eparchy.

With love in Christ, Your Eminence's unworthy novice,

+Bishop Anastasii».

This was followed by Decree №42/04/M, dated 8/21 August 2004, of the ROCA Synod of Bishops:

«In accordance with the expressed opinion of their Eminences in response to request №30/04/M of His Eminence, Metropolitan Vitaly, dated 24 June/7 July 2004, the Synod of Bishops establishes the eparchy of Los Angeles and South America, the governance of which is entrusted to Bishop Antonii (Orlov)».

Vladyka Antonii recently visited the convent and parish in Chile, where he officiated at services and spoke with the parishioners in Santiago, for which they expressed their profound gratitude to him for enlightening them about the situation in the Church Abroad.

Eis polla eti despota!

In the photograph: Bishop Antonii, Bishop Sergii, Metropolitan Vitaly, and Bishop Vladimir at the Holy Transfiguration Skete in Mansonville, with faithful ROCA parishioners, 9/22 August 2004.

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