Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)

Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) of Montréal and Canada (1914-2000)

Sylvester may be spelt Sylvestre, Sylvestr, Silvestr.

Early life of Ivan Antonovitch Haruns

Ivan Antonovitch Haruns was born on 19 October (OS), 1914, in Dvinsk (Daugavpils), Latvia. His father, Anton Haruns, was a Latvian Daugavpils railway worker, and his mother, Martha Haruns, was of Russian nationality. The couple had 4 sons and a daughter. Ivan and the other children were raised in the bosom of the Russian Orthodox Church in Latvia.

His primary education was in the First Russian Basic School. At that time, he began to serve in the Altar of the local Saint Alexander Nevsky Temple, where the rector, Archpriest Mikhail Peterson, organised a "Children's Corner" in the parish. It became popular amongst the Russian community of the city. Children were taught prayers, Church singing, and the basics of the Orthodox Christian Faith. There were also available free breakfasts and financial support for those in need.

Central Daugavpils and the Saint Alexander Nevsky Temple, early 20th century

After this, Ivan Antonovitch entered the Daugavpils State Russian Gymnasium. There, he became involved in the Latvian branch of the Russian Student Christian Movement (RSCM), which was called the "Russian Student Christian Union". The RSCM had arrived at Daugavpils in 1929, and it had become associated with the "Children's Corner".

In the 1930s, in association with the RSCM, Boris Vysheslavtsev, Vladimir Ilyin, Lev Zander, Hieromonk Ioann (Shakhovskoy), Deacon Lev Liperovsky, Alexander Nikitin (movement secretary), Nun Maria (Skobtsova) and others came to Daugavpils to give lectures.

Being inspired by their lectures, and especially those given by such luminaries as Father Sergius Chetverikov, Ivan Antonovitch decided to devote his life to serving the Church. Father Sergius later reposed in Bratislava as a hieroschemamonk (a hieroschemamonk is a priest who is also a monk of the Great Schema).

Higher education in Paris

Upon completing his secondary education, Ivan Antonovitch wished to study at the Saint Sergius Orthodox Theological Institute in Paris, France, in order to prepare himself for ecclesiastical service. However, his parents were opposed to this, and they hoped that he would enrol at a local university instead.

Meanwhile, at the beginning of 1934, he became a representative and distributor of the "Bulletin of the Russian Student Christian Movement" in Daugavpils. In addition to this magazine, members of the Latvian "Russian Orthodox Student Union" received the latest books from the YMCA-Press publishing house, and they distributed them in all cities where there were branches of the organisation.

One year later, since his resolve had not waned, his parents blessed his departure for Paris. In late 1934, Ivan Antonovitch departed for Paris to begin his higher education.

In June, 1935, as a student at the Saint Sergius Orthodox Christian Institute, he took part in the Congress of the Council of the Russian Student Christian Movement in France. During his student years, he also began to write articles for the journal-newspaper "Way of Life".

In 1937, a year before his graduation, he returned to his homeland to visit, and he met with his family and friends in Daugavpils and in Riga. Before his departure for Paris, a parting Moleben (prayer service) was served at the Nativity of Christ Cathedral in Riga, at which his closest friends gathered, who then who saw him off on his way.

Ivan Haruns would never again see his homeland, nor the members of his family. Most of his family perished in the turmoil of the Soviet takeover of Latvia (1940).

Ivan Antonovitch Haruns graduated in the summer of 1938 from the Saint Sergius Orthodox Christian Institute in Paris. He received the degree Candidate of Theology, 1st Category.

Paris Student Ivan Antonovitch Haruns

Monastic tonsure, 1938

On 8 March, 1938, before his graduation from the Saint Sergius Institute, Ivan A Haruns was tonsured to be a monk by Metropolitan Evlogy (Georgievsky), and he was given the name Sylvester.

Diaconal ordination, 1938

On 9 March, 1938, the Monk Sylvester (Haruns) was ordained to the Holy Diaconate by Metropolitan Evlogy (Georgievsky).

Presbyteral ordination, 1938

On 10 April, 1938, the Hierodeacon Sylvester (Haruns) was ordained to the Holy Priesthood by Metropolitan Evlogy (Georgievsky).

Hieromonk Sylvester (Haruns), 1938

Pastoral service

After his ordination, the Hieromonk Sylvester (Haruns) was immediately assigned to serve in eastern France in the Holy Resurrection Temple at Belfort (in the Bourgogne-Franche-Comté region). He served first as the assistant priest, and then from 19 November, 1938, as the rector.

Relief and chaplaincy work during the war

With the advent of World War II, the Hieromonk Sylvester (Haruns) was assigned to the pastoral care of Orthodox servicemen in the French armed forces that were stationed in eastern France.

In 1941, the Nazi Germans began bringing thousands of Russians from the Soviet Union to northwestern France as prisoners to serve in labour camps. They were situated principally in the Channel Islands (also called the Anglo-Norman Islands) of the English Channel. Father Sylvester felt a call to minister to them ; and, having obtained official permission from the authorities and the blessing of his bishop, he left his parish to devote himself completely to this service. This took him to many locations, under often difficult conditions. His concern was to provide food for the prisoners for both their bodies and souls. The "Vvedensky" Temple (Meeting of the Lord Temple) in Paris became the centre from where the Hieromonk Sylvester began to send out appeals for help for the Russian people who had been condemned to a slow death at hard labour. Funds arrived at this parish, and from there, material aid was distributed. Hieromonk Sylvester was on the Channel Islands for a long time as he spiritually nourished the Russian slave-labourers and the prisoners of war.

In 1944, he was falsely accused by a “brother” in the Faith, and he was imprisoned by the Gestapo in solitary confinement for 6 weeks at a detention centre at the camp of Soviet prisoners of war on Jersey Island. As a result of the investigation, he was acquitted. The Germans released him, and identified the slanderer. After being released from prison, he was not subjected to any further prosecutions.

During 1944-1945, the Hieromonk Sylvester served as the prison and hospital priest in the Paris District.

Pastoral, educational, administrative responsibilities

On 22 March, 1945, the Hieromonk Sylvester (Haruns) was assigned to nourish the parishioners of the Temple Joy of all who Sorrow on the Rue de la Tour in Paris. There, he developed a broad educational programme for young people, and the parish became known for its excellent Church school. The school was named “Thursday” because this day in France was free from study, and the children had the opportunity to attend classes at a Russian school.

At this time, he also was assigned to be the head of the Missions Department of the Russian Orthodox Diocese in Western Europe, and of the Immigrant Aid Society.

In his work with the Immigrant Aid Society, Father Sylvester, together with American and other services, provided assistance to the displaced Russians (some of whom were now stateless), and who were leaving France for other countries. In this, he also worked hard to try to prevent the repatriation of Russians to the Soviet Union (where they would very likely be killed). At this time, there were many who emigrated to Canada who had been helped by Father Sylvester in various ways. Amongst these were Elena Adamnova Yushkevich and her protected children, including Alexander and Tatiana Kaminski, Vera Kaminski, and Dia Lazis (later Mother Dorofea (Mirochnitchenko)).

He also served as co-editor, together with Father Alexander Schmemann, of the “Diocesan Herald" ("Vestnik"). When Father Schmemann left for America in 1951, Father Sylvester continued as the publication’s sole editor for another 5 years.

Throughout his life, Father (later Archbishop) Sylvester continued his involvement in the Russian Student Christian Movement, and in the post-war years, he was particularly active in work with the youth, especially in their education. Indeed, he had a devoted following amongst young people. After his ordination to the Holy Episcopate, he was affectionately nicknamed “Bishop of all the Youth”.

On 7 January, 1947, the Priestmonk Sylvester (Haruns) was elevated to the dignity of hegumen (igumen).

On 7 January, 1950, Igumen Sylvester (Haruns) was elevated to the dignity of archimandrite.

Episcopal ordination, 1952

On 27 April, 1952, Archimandrite Sylvester (Haruns) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate by the Exarch, Metropolitan Vladimir (Tikhonitsky), together with Bishop Cassian (Bezobrazov). This took place at Saint Sergius’ Church, at the Saint Sergius Institute in Paris.

Bishop Sylvester

Episcopal service

Bishop Sylvester (Haruns) was assigned to serve as the Titular Bishop of Messina (within the West European Exarchate of the Patriarchate of Constantinople)

Initially, his assignment was primarily to assist Metropolitan Vladimir (Tikhonitsky) in his administrative duties, with a particular focus on missionary work and diocesan publications.

On 24 April, 1956, Bishop Sylvester (Haruns) was transferred, and he was assigned to serve as the rector of the Saint Nicholas Cathedral in Nice. In addition, he was assigned to oversee the parishes in the south of France and in Italy.

On 21 May, 1957, he led the Divine Services at the sanctification of the upper church of Saint Nicholas Church in Bari, Apulia, Italy.

From 1957 to 1962, he was concurrently rector of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour in San Remo, Italy.

During these years, he continued in his pastoral care of the youth of the exarchate.

Emigration to Canada, 1963

Bishop Sylvester was initially invited to serve within the Orthodox Church in North America in the late 1950s. However, his transfer and move across the Atlantic Ocean did not occur until 1963, when he was assigned to be the Bishop of Montréal and Canada.

On 10 October, 1962, the Holy Synod of Bishops of the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church of North America (now The Orthodox Church in America) elected Bishop Sylvester (Haruns) to be the ruling bishop of the Archdiocese of Canada, with his see in Montréal, Québec.

Before leaving for Canada, Bishop Sylvester lived for several months in the Monastery of the Protection in Bussy-en-Othe.

On 24 January, 1963, on the advice of professors of the Saint Sergius Theological Institute, Bishop Sylvester was offered the appointment of Administrator of the Sergiev Monastery in Paris in order to prevent him from leaving for Canada. However, this project could not be accomplished.

On 18 April, 1963, Bishop Sylvester departed for Canada.

After his arrival in Montréal, Vladyka Sylvester was able quickly to complete the construction of a building adjacent to the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul for the purpose of housing the diocesan offices and to be his own residence.

Entrance to the new building, via the side-garden

Under his leadership, the interior of the cathedral was soon completely refurbished, including new beautiful iconography in a traditional style. Because of the great distances of his vast diocese, and because of the great lack of funds, he was not often able to visit remote communities ; but he frequently travelled to the major cities, and he strove to maintain a solid organisational structure in the far-flung Canadian Archdiocese.

Bishop Sylvester before the Saints Peter and Paul iconostas

In addition, under the direction of Vladyka Sylvester, the Russian Cemetery of Saint Seraphim which had been founded in 1962 in Rawdon, Québec, received more companion properties. A chapel, originally begun by Archpriest Oleg Boldireff, was constructed next to the cemetery, which was dedicated to Saint Seraphim of Sarov. Rawdon is a a town not far north from Montréal.

Saint Seraphim Russian Orthodox Chapel, and Saint Seraphim Russian Cemetery

Vladyka Sylvester and parishioners in summer

From 1963-1979, he was the Chairman of the Russian Student Christian Movement, and he was actively involved in its publication efforts, especially the “Vestnik”, and the organisation’s support of dissidents in the Soviet Union.

In 1966, Bishop Sylvester was elevated to the dignity of archbishop.

Archbishop Sylvester

About the effects of the arrival and presence of Vladyka Sylvester in the cathedral parish, Olga Lawes Melikoff wrote :

 A most fortunate arrival to our parish was that of Archbishop Sylvester in 1963, and during his 'reign' we 
 experienced an era of peace and  stability.  He had an aura that commanded respect.  At first, rather shy and 
 retiring, one felt his inner strength.  He led by example rather than any sort of coercion.  Because of my 
 mother’s role in the parish, Vladyka soon became a friend of our family, both in Rawdon and in the city, and 
 was often our guest, at which times he shared his stories punctuated by his quiet sense of humour.  I never 
 remember him saying 'You should do thus and so,' neither in his sermons nor in conversations, which is rather 
 amazing, considering his position.  Rather, he quietly and with great dignity officiated and preached the 
 gospel message, and further occupied himself with the administration of the church and his charities.  He led 
 by example.  Vladyka had a particular love of children, as well as young people, as exemplified by treating 
 his altar boys to a pizza lunch once a year.  He paid much attention to Christmas celebrations, trimming the 
 tree in the church hall by himself and, over the course of the year, buying presents for all the parishioners. 
 Eventually volunteers helped him in this task.
 
 Vladyka was especially interested in the spiritual problems of Russians in the U.S.S.R. and corresponded with 
 spiritual leaders there and sent them religious books.  This activity led to the expansion of the John of 
 Krondstadt Charity Fund as parishioners were encouraged to participate.   We would meet around Vladyka’s table 
 after church to discuss what he was doing and what could further be done.  When it became possible to send 
 parcels to the U.S.S.R., goods started to replace books, and members dug in to help prepare parcels. Two 
 parishioners, namely Ludmila Kruchinina and Natalia Iliesco, almost single-handedly, collected, packed, and 
 prepared for sending tons of clothing and toys for Russia.  These were sent off with the co-operation of 
 Aeroflot and the help of Vladimir Slivitzky, a Vice-President of Air Canada and a distinguished member of our 
 parish.  More recently, money has replaced the sending of goods at the request of the recipients.  After 
 Vladyka had to leave his post and retire to Rawdon for health reasons, where he subsequently died in 2000, 
 Marina Kartashov ably continued his Charity Fund, and now it has passed into the hands of Galina Mikoutskaia-
 Tomberg, a member of our newest wave of newcomers from Russia.  Money is send twice a year directly to special 
 priests for distribution to the needy, and especially to orphans. 

Vladyka Sylvester with Altar servers

More responsibilities

From 1966-1972, Vladyka served additionally as the Administrator of the Diocese of New England of the OCA.

Further, Archbishop Sylvester served for many years as the Chairman of the Preconciliar Commission, and the Chairman of the Department of History and Archives. Then, when the OCA accepted several parish communities in Australia under its omophor, Archbishop Sylvester was assigned to oversee them from 1972-1981. He made several pastoral trips to Australia to nourish the flock there spiritually.

In the late 1960s, the Church in North America began negotiations with the Moscow Patriarchate, which led to the granting of autocephaly to The Orthodox Church in America. This caused much controversy and conflict in the life of the Church. This was because of the complications of the past decades, political fears, and the difficulties that people generally have with forgiving.

On 7 April, 1968, Bishop Joasaph (Antoniuk) was ordained to the Holy Episcopate in order to serve as the Vicar-Bishop to Archbishop Sylvester. He moved at first to Edmonton, Alberta, where he served in the Temple of All Saints, and also in the rural parishes to the northeast. Later in 1968, one of the main older parishes, the parish of the Dormition of the Theotokos at Shandro, Alberta, was the host to an official assembly of the Archdiocese of Canada. This assembly was attended by Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish) of New York, and by the Archpriest Alexander Schememann, the dean of Saint Vladimir's Seminary in New York.

Archbishop Sylvester was able to pacify inflamed passions and to clarify numerous misunderstandings amongst the clergy and the Faithful regarding the meaning and implications of autocephaly. He considered that autocephaly was the correct canonical structure for Church life in North America. The autocephaly was granted to the Russian Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in North America by the Russian Orthodox Church on 31 March, 1970. The name of the North American Church was changed to The Orthodox Church in America.

Vladyka Sylvester

Archbishop Sylvester maintained a lively correspondence with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn after his expulsion from the Soviet Union, and Vladyka was pleased to host him at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Montréal for paschal services in the mid-1970s.

Vladyka Sylvester, Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn

In 1974, Archbishop Sylvester was assigned to be the Temporary Administrator of The Orthodox Church in America (OCA), in order to assist the ailing Metropolitan Ireney (Bekish). In this position, he ably fulfilled many primatial functions until October of 1977, when Metropolitan Ireney retired, and when, at the 5th All-American Council, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was chosen to succeed him. This council was convened in Montréal at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul.

Vladyka Sylvester and Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor), 1977

Archbishop Sylvester was then appointed to be the Vice Chairman of the Holy Synod, a position which he held until his retirement from active episcopal service. With the turbulent changes taking place in society and in Church life, and with a new generation of hierarchs and clergy assuming leadership positions, Archbishop Sylvester decided that it would be best for him to relinquish his hierarchical responsibilities.

Vladyka Sylvester, Archimandrites Antoniy and Cyril, Sisterhood, 1980s

Retirement, 1981

Vladyka Sylvester retired on 1 July, 1981. For many years thereafter, he continued to serve as the Rector and Pastor of the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Montréal, and as Pastor of Saint Seraphim’s Church in Rawdon, Québec. He especially rejoiced at the arrival of new immigrants from the former Soviet Union, and they flocked to him for spiritual nourishment. As weakness and illness overtook him in the last couple of years of his life, he eventually became unable to serve any longer, which caused him great anguish.

In retirement, the title of Archbishop Sylvester was adjusted to "Former Archbishop of Montréal and Canada".

Archbishop Sylvester at 80

In 1994, Archbishop Sylvester requested that Bishop Seraphim (Storheim) bless his retirement from active pastoral service in the cathedral parish for health reasons. This was blessed. However, the parish council requested of Bishop Seraphim that Vladyka Sylvester be blessed to oversee the governing of the parish until the end of the year, while he would be relieved of some stresses of administration. They very much appreciated and valued their spiritual father, and they benefitted greatly from his wisdom. This also was blessed. He remained in his apartment at the cathedral and he attended the services in the cathedral and in Rawdon in accordance with his strength.

In 1995, Archbishop Pavel (Lebed), the Abbot of the Monastery of the Kyiv Caves, came to visit Canada. He visited various parishes across the country, during which he raised funds for the renovation of the monastery. During his visit, he served in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, and he visited Vladyka Sylvester.

Bishop Seraphim (Storheim), Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns), Archbishop Pavel (Lebed)

Vladyka Sylvester at Saint Seraphim's Church, Rawdon

Archbishop Sylvester and Protodeacon Gregory Maksymiuk

Repose, 2000

Archbishop Sylvester reposed in Christ in Rawdon, Québec on 18 May, 2000.

He had received Holy Communion and was anointed just 2 days before his repose, during a visit by Igumen Irénée (Rochon). According to his wishes, his funeral was served according to the rite for monastics at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Montréal. Bishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada concelebrated the funeral with 10 priests.

Because of the visit of Metropolitan Sawa (Hrycuniak) of Poland to the USA at the same time, Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor) was unable to travel to Canada to preside at the funeral services. He was represented by Protopresbyter Robert Kondratick, who was at that time the Chancellor of the OCA.

Archbishop Sylvester was interred at Saint Seraphim’s Cemetery in Rawdon. This cemetery is a part of a complex of properties which together make a beautiful place which had been expanded and embellished through Vladyka's tireless efforts.

Grave of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) at Rawdon

Saint Seraphim Cemetery Rawdon

— Titular Bishop of Messina 1952-1963. Preceded by : ___. Succeeded by : ___.

— Vicar-Bishop of the Exarchate of Western Europe (Ecumenical Patriarchate) 1952-1963.

— Bishop of Montréal and Canada (OCA) 1963-1966. Preceded by : Bishop Anatoly (Apostolov).

— Archbishop of Montréal and Canada (OCA) 1966-1981. Succeeded by : Metropolitan Theodosius (Lazor).

— Temporary Administrator of the Diocese of New England (OCA) 1966-1972.

— Temporary Administrator of the OCA 1974-1977.

— Former Archbishop of Montréal and Canada (OCA) 1981-2000.

Reflections

From his youth, Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) had followed his heart in Christ. It was particularly through the pastoral activities of the "Children's Corner" in his home parish that the flame of love for the Lord was kindled in his heart, and this flame was fed and developed into a lasting fire through his encounter with the "Russian Student Christian Movement" (RSCM) soon afterwards.

As has been written in several of his biographies, he remained an active participant in the RSCM until the end of his life. This is a testimony to his having set his had to the plough in his youth, and that he never turned back thereafter.

Archbishop Sylvester was truly a Christian whose love for the Saviour was expressed in his diligent and generous care for those in need. His compassionate heart saw to this. It is a fact that he cared enough for the Christian formation of his parishioners both in Montréal and throughout Canada that he acquired printing equipment with which he personally disseminated spiritual articles and practical news for their benefit.

A truly humble and peaceful man, he was not a man of many words. He spoke when it was necessary, but he did not use words idly. Because of this, some people would misunderstand him. It is true that he had suffered sharply on some occasions during his life, but his silence was that more of an ascetic than that of one who nursed festering emotional wounds. The evidence that this would be likely is that whether it be France, Italy, the USA, Australia or Canada, those who met him came to love him and respect him.

Vladyka Sylvester showed his paternal love in a large variety of ways, but for many, the generally more memorable expression of this came at the Feast of the Nativity of Christ at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral. During the year, Vladyka would go shopping in inexpensive places in the city, and he would acquire all sorts of small items, some of them books, some of them recordings, some of them various sorts of useful items. He would himself wrap them ; then at the parish meal on the feast-day, those who came all received tickets, and each one received a random gift according to the number drawn.

Part of the Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns) museum at Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

Vladyka Sylvester

Archbishop Sylvester was a quiet, shy and reserved man. Some mis-perceived him as being aloof. That this was a mis-perception may be demonstrated by the fact that when, after his official retirement as an active bishop, there began to arrive immigrants from the territories of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (and after its collapse, many more), Vladyka Sylvester warmly welcomed them with love and understanding.

He did not like to engage in frivolous conversation, but he always spoke intelligently, and with a sharp sense of humour. He was an articulate public speaker, and his sermons were inspiring to many. He was a popular father-confessor, and he had a legion of spiritual children both in Europe and North America. He lived meagrely and he demanded little for his own material comfort. He was approachable, sought-out and beloved by many for his wise and kind spiritual counsels. He was always generous in helping those in need. Within the Archdiocese of Canada, he organised extensive charitable aid for the needy in many parts of the world. He would surreptitiously send Orthodox literature to Russia, and he quietly provided assistance to the families of those who were imprisoned for their religious beliefs. He loved literature, and he had a great knowledge of culture and history.

As a result of the firm grounding in Orthodox theology and spirituality that he had received from his illustrious professors at the time of the most productive period of the Saint Sergius Institute, his knowledge and understanding produced a broad and intelligent world view. While he might be characterised as profoundly traditional, his traditionalism was not a closed-minded fanatical conservatism. He loved the Church’s liturgical services, and he celebrated them with great dignity. He was a firm proponent of the frequent receiving of Holy Communion by the laity. He was also open to the use of liturgical languages other than Slavonic in the services (such as English and French). Above all, Archbishop Sylvester was a faithful and loving arch-pastor, firmly adhering to the teachings of Christ. He was a also a true monastic in his personal piety.

Writings

Writings by various persons about Vladyka Sylvester

Fotiev Archpriest K, 'The 25th Anniversary of the Hierarchical Ministry of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)' in "Yearbook of the Orthodox Church in America" (New York : Orthodox Church in America, 1977), pp. 103-106.

Struve N A, 'Anniversary of Bishop Sylvester' in "Bulletin of the Russian Student Christian Movement", nos. 68-69 (Paris - New York, 1963), pp.2-6.

......, 'In memory of Vladyka Sylvester' in "Bulletin of the Russian Christian Movement", no. 181 (Paris - New York - Moscow, 2000).

'Address to Bishop Sylvester from the RSCM' in "Bulletin of the Russian Student Christian Movement", no. 64 (Paris - New York, 1962).

References

(Most of this information was provided by the OCA Archivist Alexis Liberovsky.)

Archdiocese of Canada – Orthodox Church in America, “The Orthodox Church in Canada : A Chronology” (Ottawa : Archdiocese of Canada, 1988).

Tarasar, Constance J, ed., "Orthodox America 1794-1976 : Development of The Orthodox Church in America" (Syosset, NY : The Orthodox Church in America Department of History and Archives, 1975). ASIN : B000ZLZAUE.

OCA biography

Orthodoxwiki biography

Russian Wikipedia biography

Drevo biography

Academic Dictionary Academic Dictionary biography

Russian Religious Workers Abroad biography

Additional information :

‘Address of Bishop Sylvester of the Russian Christian Student Movement’ in the “Herald of the Russian Student Christian Movement” (Paris - New York, 1962), no. 64. [in Russian : ‘Адрес епископу Сильвестру от Русского Студенческого Христианского Движени’, «Вестник Русского Студенческого Христианского Движения». — Париж — Нью-Йорк. — 1962. — № 64.]

Feldman-Kravchenok, Nadezhda, "You can't serve God without serving the World : On the Occasion of the 80th Anniversary of Sylvester, a Native of Latvia, the Orthodox Archbishop of America and Canada" (Russian Lativa, 27 October, 1994).

Fotiev, Archpriest C, 'Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Archpastoral Service of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)' in "Yearbook of The Orthodox Church in America" (New York : The Orthodox Church in America, 1977), pp. 103-106. [in Russian : Фотиев К., протоиерей. 'Двадцатипятилетие святительского служения архиепископа Сильвестра (Харун)' «Ежегодник Православной Церкви в Америке». — 1977. — Нью-Йорк. — С. 103—106.]

Nivier, A, ‘Orthodox Clergy, Theologians and Church Leaders of the Russian Emigration in Western and Central Europe 1920-1995: Biographical Directory’ in the “Russian Way” (Paris : YMCA Press, 2007), pp. 443-444. [in Russian : Нивьер А. Православные священнослужители, богословы и церковные деятели русской эмиграции в Западной и Центральной Европе. 1920-1995 : Биографический справочник. М.:Русский путь; Париж: YMCA-Press, 2007. 576с. : ил. С.443-444.]

Plyukhanov, B, "RSCM in Latvia and Estonia : Materials for the History of the Russian Student Christian Movement" (Paris : YMCA-Press, 1993).

Struve, N A, ‘Jubilee of Bishop Sylvester’ in "Herald of the Russian Student Christian Movement" (Paris - New York, 1963), no. 68-69, pp. 2-6. [in Russian : Струве Н. А. 'Юбилей епископа Сильвестра' // «Вестник Русского Студенческого Христианского Движения». Париж. — Нью-Йорк. — 1963. — № 68-69. — С. 2-6.]

Struve, N A, 'Memory of Vladika Sylvester' in "Herald of the Russian Christian Movement" (Paris - New York - Moscow, 2000), no. 181. [in Russian : Струве Н. А. 'Памяти Владыки Сильвестра' «Вестник Русского Христианского Движения». — Париж. — Нью-Йорк — Москва. — 2000. — № 181.]

‘Sylvester (Haruns)’ in “Yearbook of The Orthodox Church in America” (New York : The Orthodox Church in America, 1977) pp. 103-106). [in Russian : ‘Сильвестра (Харун) Ежегодник Православной Церкви в Америке — 1977. — Нью-Йорк. — С. 103—106]

Orthodoxresearchinstitute “Former Hierarchs of The Orthodox Church in America”

‘Twenty-fifth Anniversary of the Archpastoral Service of Archbishop Sylvester (Haruns)’ in “Yearbuook of The Orthodox Church in America” (New York : The Orthodox Church in America, 1877) pp. 103-106.

New Martyrs and Confessors of the 20th Century Russian Orthodox Church

Archpriest Sergei Chetverikov

History of the Presentation of the Lord Temple in Paris, France

Florovsky Society article about the Russian Student Christian Movememnt

YMCA silent films from 1920s-1930s about the Institut Saint-Serge de Paris, and the RSCM Summer Camp (posted by John Sanidopoulos)

Russians of Latvia

Zoominfo biography

Orthodox Church of Latvia

Daugavpils (Dvinsk)

Dvinsk, Latvia

The Orthodox Church in America web-site

Archdiocese of Canada web-site

Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Sobor, Montréal, Québec

Video "A Century of Orthodoxy in Montreal"

Blog article

History of Saints Peter and Paul Russian Orthodox Sobor, Montréal Québec

Obituary of Bishop Cassian (Bezobrazov)

Saint Seraphim of Sarov Church, Rawdon, Québec

Saint Seraphim’s Russian Orthodox Cemetery, Rawdon, Québec

Departed Bishops in/of Canada

Canadian Orthodox Church History Project no. 47, p. 160-164

'Archbishop SYLVESTER' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Spring, 1991) p. 5

'The last OCA hierarch born in the pre-revolutionary Russian Empire : Archbishop Sylvester 1932-2000. Memory Eternal, in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Autumn, 2000) pp. 1-6

'The Mother of Orthodoxy in Canada : Sts Peter and Paul, Montréal Celebrates 100th Anniversary' in "Canadian Orthodox Messenger" (Winter, 2007/2008), pp. 3-5.