ROCOR First Hierarch Metropolitan Nicholas on Significant Visit to Jerusalem, Meets Patriarch Theophilos III and Elevates New Abbess

OCP News Service – 03/06/2025

Jerusalem-Holy Land: His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia (ROCOR), is currently on a significant visit to the Holy Land. His trip, which began on May 26, 2025, has so far been marked by important liturgical celebrations, key meetings, and the elevation of a new abbess. Upon his arrival at Ben Gurion Airport, following a church consecration in Methuen, MA, he proceeded to the Ascension of the Lord Convent on the Mount of Olives.

A key moment of Metropolitan Nicholas’s visit was his meeting with His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III of Jerusalem and All Palestine on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, during the Leavetaking of Holy Pascha. The cordial encounter at the Patriarchate of Jerusalem saw Metropolitan Nicholas accompanied by Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky) and Nun Judith (Zastavsky), who was recently appointed as Abbess of the Ascension of the Savior Convent on the Mount of Olives by the ROCOR Synod of Bishops. Metropolitan Nicholas presented Patriarch Theophilos with a copy of the Kursk Root Icon, while Patriarch Theophilos blessed Mother Judith and exchanged gifts with Metropolitan Nicholas.

The following day, May 29, 2025, on the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, Metropolitan Nicholas celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Ascension of the Savior-Mount of Olives Convent, which was observing its patronal feast day. During this solemn service, he formally elevated Nun Judith to abbess, handing her the staff and pectoral cross. Patriarch Theophilos III was present in prayer during this solemn service, underscoring the strong inter-Orthodox relations. After the liturgy, Patriarch Theophilos visited the convent, greeting the hierarchs and clergy.

Metropolitan Nicholas also met with His Eminence Archbishop Theodosius of Sebastia of the Jerusalem Patriarchate at the Ascension of the Lord Convent on Saturday, May 31, 2025. Their discussion focused on mutual interests, inter-Orthodox affairs, and the global persecution of Christians.

The visit continues to strengthen ties between the ROCOR and the Jerusalem Patriarchate and provide spiritual leadership to ROCOR’s monastic communities in the Holy Land.

Source:

OCP News Service