ROCOR and Antiochian Archdiocese Leaders Hold Productive Meeting

The meeting, held at the Archdiocesan Headquarters in Englewood, NJ, marked the first official visit of Metropolitan Nicholas to Metropolitan Saba. The two hierarchs were joined by their respective delegations, including Archpriest Seraphim Gan, Chancellor of the ROCOR Synod of Bishops; Archpriest George Temidis, Secretary of the Eastern American Diocesan Administration; Archpriest Andrei Sommer, Dean of the Synodal Cathedral of the Sign in New York City; Archpriest Joseph Samaan, Protosyngellos of the Antiochian Archdiocese; and Archpriest Thomas Zain, Vicar General of the Antiochian Archdiocese.

During the meeting, Metropolitan Saba and Metropolitan Nicholas discussed ways to strengthen the presence of the Orthodox Church in North America and foster greater unity among their clergy and laity. They also shared their experiences with the Western Rite in their respective jurisdictions and addressed various issues facing the Orthodox world.

As a token of their friendship and respect, Metropolitan Saba presented Metropolitan Nicholas with a piece of the recently recovered mandiya (mantle) of St. Raphael of Brooklyn and an icon of the Theotokos. In return, Metropolitan Nicholas gifted Metropolitan Saba with an icon of the Annunciation.

The meeting was a significant step towards strengthening the bonds between the Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, demonstrating their shared commitment to the unity and growth of the Orthodox Church in North America.