Congratulations to the Rector of the St. John Cathedral in Brooklyn Protopresbyter Olexander Belya on the 45th Anniversary of His Priestly Ordination

Dear Father Olexander!

The entire Slavic Vicariate congratulates you on this wonderful milestone — the 45th anniversary of your priestly ordination!

On this day, we remember the event when, in the Protection Academic Church of the Moscow Theological Schools, by the grace of God, you were ordained to the priesthood by the ever-memorable His Beatitude Metropolitan Volodymyr (Sabodan, +2014).

Forty-five years of faithful, selfless, and grace-filled service at the Altar of God is a true feat of pastoral love, patience, and devotion to the Lord. Over these years, thousands of people have passed through your heart — people whom you have led to Christ, comforted in their sorrows, strengthened in faith, and guided on the path of salvation. As the Apostle says: “Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory” (1 Peter 5:2–4). Truly, your ministry is a living testimony of how a pastor who remains faithful to his calling can bear abundant fruit in the Lord’s vineyard.

May the Lord, who called you to this ministry, continue to strengthen you with spiritual and bodily strength, and grant you the abundant grace of the Holy Spirit in all your labors.

Many and blessed years to you, dear Father Alexander! Peace, health, strength, and unfailing joy in the Lord!

With love in Christ,

on behalf of the clergy, monastics, and laity of the Slavic Vicariate

Archimandrite Alexander Belya,

Elected Bishop of Niсopolis,

Vicar of the Slavic Orthodox Vicariate of America