Archbishop Damaskin of Yaffa visits Representation of Moscow Patriarchate in the USA

On 19 January 2006, on the day of the Epiphany, Archbishop Damaskin of Yaffa, head of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem parishes in North America visited representation of Moscow Patriarchate in the USA on invitation of Bishop Mercury of Zaraisk.

Archbishop Damaskin visited patriarchal Cathedral of St. Nicholas, got acquainted with its past and present and venerated shrines of the Cathedral.

Bishop Mercury had a talk with Archbishop Damaskin. Bishop Mercury told the guest about the present of patriarchal parishes in the United States of America and the process of reconciliation between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia. Archbishop Damaskin described the situation in the Patriarchate of Jerusalem after His Beatitude Theofilus was elected and said he believed that troubles in the Church of Jerusalem would soon be over.

The parties discussed canonical situation of Orthodox jurisdictions in the USA and prospects of practical steps for achieving Orthodox unity in America. They are convinced that relations between Moscow Patriarchate and the Patriarchate of Jerusalem have fraternal character and their potential can be used in constructive cooperation with those who participate in common Orthodox witness in North America.

Bishop Mercury and Archbishop Damaskin agreed to exchange opinions on the questions concerning parishes of the Russian Orthodox Church and Jerusalem Church in the USA.