4/17 November, 1986
To His Eminence,
Most Reverend Anthony,
Archbishop of Geneva and Western Europe.
Dear Vladyka,
I am sending you an announcement about a pilgrimage to the USSR, which I mentioned to you over the phone. This is undoubtedly an attempt to draw our flock to their side. Judgment on this matter should be made with the Soviet propaganda tactics in mind. For several months now, rumors have been circulating from certain sources about the infiltration of pro-Soviet sympathies among us, and even a plan to use the celebration of the millennium [Baptism of Rus'] for the unification of our Church with the Patriarchate.
We have received various "warnings" about the alleged participation of some of our bishops in such an action. The pilgrimage is evidently the first practical step towards dissolving the barrier in our flock. The rumors were clearly spread by Soviet agents, referring to the words of Moscow bishops, particularly in Germany. Therefore, a warning to the flock that this pilgrimage is not approved by our episcopate due to its ties with the Soviet apparatus (the Diocesan Council in Minsk) would indicate Soviet propaganda involvement. A warning from the Synod would indirectly serve as a rebuttal, showing that even after my departure, the firm stance against Moscow remains.
I ask for your holy prayers and remain Your Eminence's devoted brother in Christ
P.S. I mention myself because my correspondent from Moscow writes: "To be honest, I was very upset to learn that you have retired. The fact that you are planning to move to France shows me that you are withdrawing from influencing the life and politics of the Russian Church Abroad. Is your withdrawal itself not caused by these changes? After all, it seems that not everything is uniform in your Church. For example, Fr. V[ictor]. Potapov, who leads a [religious] program on the Voice of America, seems to hold more liberal views on ecumenism, etc." There are people in our flock who think this way as well [1].
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