Articles

General Assembly of the Archdiocese,
30th April – 1st May, 2007
held at the St. Sergius Institute, Paris 

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Walking along a typical busy Paris street, we turned in through a gate and suddenly found ourselves in an oasis of peace, beauty and a sense of timeless Russia.  So began our experience of the General Assembly of the Archdiocese of Russian Orthodox Churches in Western Europe.  

Nearly 200 people had gathered, and our immediate impression was of being among friends. Some of course were real friends: 22 participants from our Vicariate, Dutch friends of Annemarie's, well-known names we could at last put faces to; and our dear Father Michael Fortounatto. There was a real spirit of welcome for us, particularly for Bishop Basil. The position of our Vicariate came near the beginning of the agenda The Internal Statute of the Vicariate received an overwhelming vote of acceptance.  Father Alexander Fostiropoulos came top in the election for Exarchate Council members. Deacon Peter Scorer served at the Pontifical Liturgy on Tuesday morning.  

We heard the latest developments in the legal battles over the churches at Nice and Biarritz – both still ongoing; and we voted to elect a new bishop to care for the parishes in Scandinavia. The Archdiocese is a growing body, with new churches being opened, more clergy being ordained, and one that talks of mission and vitality. It very much shares the vision for Church life that was Metropolitan Anthony's – to become the soul of the world, as Archbishop Gabriel put it. 

Over an informal al fresco lunch we met more participants, and later a group photo was taken. There was financial business, and reports on the various activities organised by the Exarchate. We will feel more a part of this as time goes on.  But what we felt immediately was a great joy at being part of a loving family, proud of its Russian heritage but firmly based in Western Europe and outward-looking: kindred spirits with us. 

Peter Scorer expressed his thanks, and great joy at being there. Lisa, Annemarie and I can echo that wholeheartedly.  Quite simply, we felt we had come home. 

Gillian Crow