Leonty (Turkevich) of New York

His Eminence the Most Reverend Metropolitan Leonty (Turkevich) of New York succeeded Metr. Theophilus as Metropolitan of the North American Diocese of the Church in Russia upon his death. Metr. Leonty brought extensive experience since the early years of the North American mission. This experience proved to be most valuable as he guided the American Diocese. Under his leadership the first ‘Statutes’ were enacted that regularized the organization of hierarchy and parishes of the diocese, and the core was established of a permanent central church administration. As Fr. Alexander Schmemann noted at the time of Metr. Leonty’s death “… the church was equipped with a coherent administrative structure, with institutions making it possible for her to grow and to develop.