Metr. Nicholas Welcomes Jerusalem Hierarch at ROCOR Synodal Residence

NEW YORK — Metr. Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), welcomed Abp. Damaskinos of Joppa of the Jerusalem Patriarchate to the Synodal residence in New York on September 10.

Abp. Damaskinos, who heads the Patriarchal Representation in Jaffa and serves as abbot of the Archangel Michael Monastery there, visited on the day commemorating St. Job of Pochaev.

Metr. Nicholas showed his guest the Synodal residence and the relics kept in the cathedral church. Abp. Damaskinos venerated the altar, the Kursk-Root Icon of the Mother of God “of the Sign,” the right hand of Holy Martyr Grand Duchess Elizabeth, and other relics.

The two hierarchs then held a private conversation in Metr. Nicholas’ office. Abp. Damaskinos recalled his meetings with the late Metr. Laurus, who regularly traveled to the Holy Land with Russian émigré pilgrims and their descendants and on assignments from ROCOR.

Abp. Damaskinos also spoke about monks who labored in ROCOR monasteries in the Holy Land and described the difficult circumstances facing the Jerusalem Church amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Metr. Nicholas asked him to convey his respect to Patr. Theophilos III and assured him of ROCOR’s prayers for Orthodox Christians and for the strengthening of the Christian presence in the Holy Land. The hierarchs concluded their meeting by exchanging commemorative gifts.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Bp. Jerome commemorated the 50th anniversary of Abp. Nikon’s repose.