“Shared have been the struggles to defend Orthodox doctrine, shared the cup of affliction in difficult times, and shared the witness to the Resurrection to the ends of the earth.

“What you are beginning today, as you make your way to Nicula Monastery, is a special undertaking. We are entering into a succession of experience, because generation after generation, for decades, perhaps even hundreds of years, people have done the same thing. This continuity of faith, but also of experience, is very important, showing our faith to be something living, something very much alive.

“Working together has strengthened the partnership between NCCUSA and CCC and helped us to understand each other's cultures and history better, deepened the visible unity of churches across North America-Turtle Island, and resulted in lasting and meaningful relationships that will encourage future connections. It has been such an incredible learning and growth experience - one that I will always treasure

“apart from the Christians themselves

“although they were forced to abandon their homes and possessions, many of those deported “travelled with Christ in their arms” through the icons they took with them, bearing witness to “an authentic faith and an extraordinary trust” in the face of tragic circumstances

“In this way, a cross is traced along the length and breadth of the places through which you pass, revealing God as sovereign over His creation and wondrous in His saints, whom you honour in a special way. The world is sanctified together with the path you travel.

“This regional ecumenical theological institute offers us a special opportunity to respond to that question together in the United States and Canada. We are grateful for the World Council of Churches’ accompaniment on the journey