His Beatitude Metropolitan JONAH concludes his visit to Russia for the 15th Anniversary of the Establishment of the OCA Representation in Moscow

9/12/2009

On Wednesday, December 9, 2009, His Beatitude, the Most Blessed JONAH of All America and Canada concluded his pastoral visit to St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church – the Moscow Representation of the Orthodox Church in America.

During the course of his visit to Moscow, which was made specifically to participate in the 15th anniversary celebration of the establishment of St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church as the official Representation of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH had the opportunity to concelebrate with and participate in a detailed conversation with His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and all Russia, meet with several hierarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church and to serve at and visit various monasteries and parishes throughout Moscow.

Accompanying His Beatitude to the airport to bid him farewell on behalf of His Holiness, Patriarch KIRILL of Moscow and All Russia was His Grace, ALEKSANDR of Dmitrov and Patriarchal Vicar Bishop. Likewise, Archimandrite Zacchaeus, Dean of the Representation Church together with the parish clergy and staff and also workers of the Department of External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate also escorted Metropolitan JONAH to the airport to receive his Primatial blessing before he departed for the United States.

Prior to departure, as a token of gratitude for the hospitality provided, His Beatitude, Metropolitan JONAH offered Father Zacchaeus with a beautiful silver bowl, pitcher and platter for liturgical use at St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church.

Giving thanks to God for all the blessings granted throughout the visit of Metropolitan JONAH, the Dean, clergy and staff of St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church bid His Beatitude farewell and offered prayers for his safe journey home.

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