May 9, 2016
My Brothers and Sisters,
Over the last week many of you have asked me about ways in which the Episcopal Diocese of New York may help the people of Saint Sava Cathedral, the Serbian Orthodox cathedral which was destroyed by fire on May 1, that being their observance of Easter Day. I was happy to answer those questions as they were put to me, but did not want to make a public statement until the early conversations about our long-term support were completed.
Those who wish to make a contribution to help the people of Saint Sava are invited to do so online by clicking here http://www.dioceseny.org/st-sava-fund-donation/
or by check clearly marked for Saint Sava, payable to “Episcopal Diocese of New York,” and mailed to
Diocesan Controller Episcopal Diocese of New York 1047 Amsterdam Ave New York NY 10025
On the morning of May 2, I began conversations with the Reverend Djokan Majstorovic, Dean of Saint Sava, and out of that conversation we began to explore a way that we might offer the Serbian community the worship hospitality of our diocese during the perhaps substantial period of rebuilding that must follow this tragic loss. Early on we began to identify Saint George’s Church at Stuyvesant Square, one of the two campuses of the Church of Calvary / Saint George, as a likely site, because of its near proximity to Saint Sava’s. I am gratified to say that the priest, wardens and vestry of the parish expressed immediate willingness, quite sacrificially, to offer their church to the Serbian Orthodox community for services in these early days.
On Sunday, May 8 the congregation of Saint Sava worshipped at Calvary Church, and this coming Sunday will be at Saint George’s Church. We expect the needs of the congregation to require a multi-year commitment. Certainly Calvary / Saint George is ready to begin meeting this need, and over the long term it is our promise to St. Sava’s that we will do everything that we possible can as a diocese. I am happy to say that other churches and institutions in our diocese have also come forward in the last week, quite generously, with their own invitations.
Canon Blake Rider represented me and you at the Serbian Orthodox service yesterday, brought greetings, and read this my letter to the congregation:
Your Grace Bishop Mitrophan,
Reverend Father Djokan Majstorovic,
and our dear brothers and sisters of the Saint Sava community,
I speak for all of the people of the Episcopal Diocese of New York in offering you our condolences for the Easter Day catastrophic loss of Saint Sava Cathedral. It has not been many years since we saw flames rage above our own cathedral, and we have a keen and personal understanding of the heartbreak of witnessing violence and trespass upon holy ground and the violation and destruction of sacred buildings. The loss of the beautiful and historic Saint Sava is keenly felt by the whole community of faithful people in New York City, but its tragic dimensions are personal, grievous and haunting for you. We pray God’s grace and blessing upon you in your grief, and His peace as you begin to take first steps toward reclamation, restoration and rebuilding.
The story of the long, fruitful relationship between the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the Serbian Orthodox Church in New York is well known. The welcome and friendship offered to the Serbian community by my predecessor Bishop William Manning is part of our shared history. The fellowship of our communities over these many years has blessed us all.
Today we thank God that we are able to offer worship hospitality to the Saint Sava congregation at Calvary / Saint George Episcopal Church. We know that your need for a place of worship will certainly require a multi-year commitment. We promise you that the Episcopal Diocese of New York and our parishes within the City of New York will do everything that we possibly can to ensure that you will continue to have a home among us until you are able to return to your cathedral. I am deeply grateful for the self offering of the Rector, Wardens and Vestry of Calvary / Saint George, and I want you to know that other Episcopal churches and institutions in the city have also come forward with their own invitations this week. You have long been, you are, and you will ever be our beloved brothers and sisters in Christ, and I pray that from the ashes of this tragedy the bonds of affection that unite us will be more strongly forged. You are in the prayers of our churches today, and in our hearts.
May God richly bless our dear friends, and by the grace of God in Christ Jesus, dry their tears. With every good wish, I remain
Yours,
+Andy Dietsche, Bishop of New York