Archbishop VALERIAN: "He Gave Us All That God Had Given Him"

This past January marked 20 years since we sang farewell to our beloved +Archbishop VALERIAN (Trifa) and laid him to his eternal rest at Vatra Românească.

For over 30 years, Archbishop VALERIAN led our Episcopate and brought the Romanian Orthodox community in North America closer together.  Incorporating the English language in our services, publishing a wide range of books and publications, developing the Vatra and making it a true home for young and old alike.  He was an organized, brilliant man – caring and loved by his spiritual family.

Those who were lucky enough to know him are still touched by his presence.  As time goes on, we should not only recall His Eminence’s memory, but keep his spirit alive.

It is also important to remember that each of our hierarchs and clergy give their lives for us through their service to Christ’s Holy Church.  The epitaph on the Archbishop’s grave provides a simple, yet powerful reminder: “He gave us all that God had given him.”

Perhaps the most important thing Archbishop VALERIAN left for us was his principled, yet humble example of true Christian service.  In his Testamentary Letter to the Clergy and Faithful of the Episcopate, we see in his own words the love he had for his God, his Romanian heritage, his adopted country, and for all of us:

Dear Reverend clergy and Beloved faithful,

I am leaving this world with gratitude in my heart towards our Heavenly Father for granting me the privilege of 33 years of serving His Holy Orthodox Church, my Romanian heritage and my beloved adopted country, the United States of America.

During this time, I have had many things happen, but the culminating moment of my existence I consider to be when the Romanian Orthodox faithful in America called and elected me to be their spiritual leader.

The great burden you laid upon my shoulders, which I bore with sincerest intentions, was not easy.  I dare say that had I not accepted this charge, my life would have been much calmer and easier but I would not have been as happy as I was.

The extent to which I was able to measure up to your expectations in carrying out my difficult mission and serving the Episcopate is not for me to judge.  Being only a rather common person, I was unable to achieve more than God has given me the power to do, but I have put forth my best efforts in all.  God in His infinite wisdom and justice, members of the Episcopate and history itself will put the seal of approval if I had done well.  Likewise, I will be condemned if, willingly or unwillingly, I have erred in any way and let you down.  If I had any successes, I readily admit that to a great extent they are due to the support of those who understood my intentions and efforts.  I now especially want to thank these supporters.

I also know, as hard as I tried, that I was unable to do everything expected of me, and that I did not satisfy everyone.  It might also have happened quite unintentionally that I might have wronged someone.  Find it in your heart, I beg, to forgive me, as I have already forgiven anyone who has erred before me or wronged me.

Now that the destiny of the Episcopate is in your hands, I urge you to be very conscientious in this great responsibility.  Remain united in the spirit of Christian love, do away with any personal or selfish interests and work together and uninterrupted to maintain the full freedom which was obtained with so many sacrifices.  Grow in the Spirit and good deeds so that the Episcopate may be continually strengthened and bear good fruit to the glory of God and His Holy Orthodox Church, for the pride of our Romanian origin and of the beloved adopted country in which you now reside.

May the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ have you all in His loving care now and always.

Archbishop +VALERIAN

* adapted from The A.R.O.Y. News, January-February 2005 & February 1996