Address by Metropolitan Mercury of Rostov and Novocherkassk on the occasion of the 15th anniversary of the formation of the Don Metropolistranslated

Your Eminences! All-honorable Fathers, Presbyters and Deacons! Monks and nuns! Brothers and sisters!

Fifteen years ago, by the decision of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus' and the Holy Synod of the Russian Orthodox Church, a historical decree was adopted on the formation of the Don Metropolis within the Rostov region, uniting the Volgodonsk, Rostov-on-Don and Shakhty dioceses.

The transformation of church administration on the Don was based on a deep understanding of the tasks that, in the new historical conditions, had to be solved by the entirety of the Russian Orthodox Church. It was necessary to give new impetus to the parish, missionary and social life of the Church, to strengthen its interaction with society and the state and at the same time preserve the unity of church service.

Today, a decade and a half later, we are especially clearly aware of the wisdom and foresight of this decision and with gratitude we must remember everyone whose prayers, loyalty, sacrifice and love made these fruits possible.

Over the past years, the church life of the Don region has noticeably changed.   New parishes were opened, churches, chapels and parish buildings were erected and restored. Our special...