First Hierarch of ROCOR Congratulates Met. Longin of New Gracanica on His 70th Birthday

Met. Longin concelebrates with Archimandrite Metodije, Abbot of the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos, on the anniversary of his episcopal consecration. Photo: newgracanica.org

NEW YORK — His Eminence Met. Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), has extended warm congratulations to His Eminence Longin, Metropolitan of the Midwest American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, on the occasion of his 70th birthday, the 50th anniversary of his monastic and priestly service, and the 40th anniversary of his episcopal consecration.

In his congratulatory letter — sent on Oct. 20, 2025 — Met. Nicholas also conveyed greetings on the recent Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, the patronal feast of the New Gracanica Monastery, which Met. Longin leads.

Reflecting on Met. Longin’s decades of service, Met. Nicholas praised him as a “fearless warrior of Christ” who has “victoriously overcome temptations, difficulties, and trials,” and as a hierarch who continues to set an example of spiritual steadfastness, devotion to God, and faithfulness to his calling. He emphasized the Metropolitan's high esteem among fellow hierarchs and the deep love of clergy and faithful alike.

“We pray that our All-Merciful Lord Jesus Christ strengthen your spiritual and physical powers in the great and sacrificial service of the Serbian Orthodox Church,” Met. Nicholas wrote, asking that the Lord “continue to bless your labors and good endeavors.”

Invoking the prayers of St. Jonah of Hankow, whose repose marks its centenary this year, Met. Nicholas concluded with the traditional acclamation: “Eis polla eti, despota!” — “Many years, Master!”
 
Previously, UOJ reported that ROCOR celebrated the first Feast of the Uncovering of the Relics of St. John of Shanghai and San Francisco.

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