Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe

Moscow Patriarchate

Communique N° 01-11 of the Archdiocesan Council

Meeting of 24 February 2011

The Archdiocesan Council met on February 24, 2011, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Archbishop Gabriel. Among the issues raised were:

1. State of health of Archbishop Gabriel. Archbishop Gabriel spoke about his health. On January 27 he underwent a surgical operation which had been planned for some time. He was released from hospital on 2 February and after a short convalescence resumed his duties at the headquarters of the Archdiocese on February 22. The operation went well, a lung tumour was removed, postoperative test results are satisfactory and doctors say they are confident. To prevent a further recurrence, they suggested a course of chemotherapy. During this period, the diary of Bishop Gabriel will be reduced in order to avoid any increase in fatigue and to enable a full recovery. Furthermore, Bishop Gabriel wished to thank all the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese who supported him in this difficult time and continue to support him by their prayers and affection.

2. Working meeting with Bishop Nestor of Chersonese. Archbishop Gabriel and members of the Diocesan Administration had a working meeting with Bishop Nestor, at the premises of the Archdiocese on February 24. Its purpose was to establish contact following the appointment of Bishop Nestor as head of the Diocese of Chersonese by the Holy Synod of the Patriarchate of Moscow, on December 24 last. This meeting provided an opportunity to exchange information and to review the state of relations between the Archdiocese and the Diocese of Chersonese. The two sides agreed to meet again after Easter.

3. ODS. The Council of the Archdiocese continued to discuss the situation and the future of Orthodox Diocesan Service (ODS) which provides parishes of the archdiocese with religious supplies, vestments, liturgical items and candles (see Communiqué N° 07-10). Oleg Lavrov, the manager of SDO, presented his view of the matter. The Council appointed a working group composed of Oleg Lavrov, Serge Runge, M. Sologub and A. Victoroff to explore solutions that would balance the books of the SDO operations.

4. Gift from the Tchesnakoff family. The Council of the Archdiocese has accepted a gift, made to the Archdiocese by Archpriest Peter Tchesnakoff and children, of a property located at La Touche Plumaudan near Dinan, Brittany, which includes a chapel dedicated to the Dormition of the Mother of God, spare rooms and an area of land of 3000 m². Archbishop Gabriel and the Council expressed their gratitude to Archpriest Peter Tchesnakoff, one of the oldest members of the clergy of the Archdiocese, for his long service to the Church and for his generous donation to the Archdiocese.

5. Deanery of Great Britain. A meeting of the clergy of the Deanery of Great Britain was held on 18 and 19 February, with the blessing of Archbishop Gabriel, under the chairmanship of the Dean, Archpriest John Marks. About twenty priests and deacons took part in this meeting which addressed various issues including the liturgical life and pastoral work (preparation for baptism and reception into the Church, marriage, confession …).