Metropolitan Nicholas Returns from Holy Land Pilgrimage, Presides Over Pentecost Services in U.S.
After visiting sacred Christian sites and celebrating the Feast of the Ascension in Jerusalem, the ROCOR First Hierarch resumed pastoral duties in New Jersey and New York.
NEW YORK — On June 6, 2025, His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), returned safely from a spiritual pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
During his visit, he celebrated services at key sites associated with the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, including the Ascension of the Lord Convent on the Mount of Olives and the Convent of St. Mary Magdalene in Gethsemane. He also venerated the Life-Giving Tomb of Christ, Golgotha, and other revered locations.
A highlight of the trip occurred on the Feast of the Ascension, when Metropolitan Nicholas presided at Divine Liturgy on the Mount of Olives and elevated Sister Judith – appointed abbess by the ROCOR Synod of Bishops – to the rank of hegumeniya. His Eminence also met with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine and clergy and monastics of the local Orthodox communities.
Following his return to the U.S., Metropolitan Nicholas celebrated the Feast of Holy Pentecost on June 8 at Holy Trinity Church in Vineland, New Jersey, and the Feast of the Holy Spirit the following day at Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, New York.
Previously, UOJ reported on Metropolitan Nicholas installing Mother Judith as Abbess of the Holy Ascension Convent in Jerusalem.
