505. Речь в день совершившегося пятидесятилетия священноначальственного служения,

read by His Eminence Leonid before the assembly of those who greeted His Eminence on August 5, 1867 Venerable fathers and brothers! Honorable Lords and brothers! This day presents such surprises to me that it is difficult for me to define and explain my thoughts and feelings, and I would remain in silent bewilderment if respect and gratitude for the attention now being shown to me from so many sides did not oblige me to speak. But my word, always weak, has been weakened by time to the point that it cannot reach the ears of this congregation. May it be permitted to use intermediary lips for my words. First of all, I am surprised by what I see today. My meager strength in my early years, coupled with the considerable difficulties of my career, did not promise me later years. By the inscrutable will of God, the gift of fifty years of service to the highest structure of the mysteries of God was sent down to me. I only know that this is not a gift of retribution, but of ineffable mercy and patience. It can be seen that although “my soul is much a stranger” (Ps. 119:6), it has not yet prepared itself, and still requires preparation in order to move from sojourn to the fatherland, to which the Heavenly Father calls us all. Be patient! Glory to Thee, All-Merciful! Do not take away Your mercy! It is also part of the inscrutable will of God that at the present end of the fiftieth anniversary of my priestly service, benevolent glances have been turned, even from the Highest Throne, even from the supreme hierarchy of the Russian Church, also from the Right Reverend co-pastors, and from the superiors and estates of figures of philanthropy and science, and from public institutions, and, what is less unexpected, from the clergy and in general, the brethren of the Moscow Church. Perhaps it would please the Providence of God, through this particular phenomenon in church life, to “create... a sign for good” (Ps. 85:17) in general to encourage the ascetics of the faith and the Church, which is especially beneficial in days in which the more and more self-darkening Western spirit incessantly intensifies to spread darkness and raise storms in the bright, holy East. I said that what was less unexpected for me was the sympathy of the clergy and brethren of the Moscow Church. This is because during the entire continuation of my service here I saw and became accustomed to seeing this compassion. The spirit of love for holy service, peace and harmony, free obedience to every duty and lawful calling in my co-servants, and in the Orthodox people, obedience of faith, zeal for divine services, generous readiness for the improvement and decoration of churches, for caring for the needs of the servants of the Church, for deeds of philanthropy and charity - have constantly made and are making my service easier, brought and continue to bring me strengthening consolation. But how can I respond to all this now on my part? - Lord, who created this day for me! Let your word come, good and effective! Bless and bless the holy love of our Most Pious Autocrat for the Holy Church; and may she always be a protective force for the prosperity of His Kingdom and people. Overshadow the Most Holy All-Russian Synod with Your grace and be present among those who gather in it in Your name, according to Your faithful promise (Matthew 18:20); Yes, and in this council of Thy things are accomplished that are “willed by Thy Holy Spirit” (Acts 15:28), for the sake of Thy Holy Church. Great Bishop, passed through the heavens, One Head of the true Church! Continue in it the holy episcopate, unanimous in the truth of the faith, unanimous in spiritual advice, firm in keeping the dogmas, rules and regulations of the church, faithfully guiding in the ways of life. Bless, Lord, the Orthodox Moscow Church, its hierarchy, priesthood, monasticism and the entire Orthodox people, so that the “shepherd ... who lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11), the priest, whose mouth ... preserves the understanding” (Mal. 2:7) of salvation, a man of knowledge and a teacher of youth, holding and teaching sound teaching, may not fail. above-mentioned principles of science, who supplies the vital “beginning of wisdom, the fear of the Lord” (Prov. 1:7), an ascetic who walks the narrow and at the same time exalted path of the spirit, the son of faith, living by faith, doing works of faith, free from the charms of the world, from enslavement to the spirit of the times. May, Lord, be glory to You in the Russian Church forever! You might be interested in: