Belgrade, February 28, 2025
Photo: spc.rs
The vicar bishop of the Diocese of the South of the Orthodox Church in America visited the Patriarch of the Serbian Orthodox Church yesterday.
His Grace Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth and Archpriest Alessandro Margheritino, secretary to the OCA primate, were received at the Patriarchal Palace in Belgrade by His Holiness Patriarch Porfirije, reports the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Vladyka Gerasim, who is known as a spiritual child of Blessed Seraphim (Rose) and the second abbot of St. Herman’s Monastery in Platina, California, from 2000 to 2009, has been serving as vicar of the Diocese of the South since June 2021.
The Patriarch spoke with his guests about the importance of Orthodox missionary work, especially in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of inter-jurisdictional cooperation. He also spoke about the restoration of the St. Sava Church in New York, which he personally oversees.
In turn, Bp. Gerasim and Fr. Alessandro briefed Pat. Porfirije on the OCA’s organization, work, and mission, while expressing their eagerness to build stronger connections with the Serbian Orthodox Church. Bp. Gerasim noted that their three-day visit to Serbia serves as a tangible demonstration of their commitment to enhancing ecclesiastical relations.
Both parties exchanged insights about the various difficulties confronting global Orthodoxy, agreeing that ongoing dialogue remains essential for finding solutions.
Prior to the reception with the Serbian Patriarch, the OCA delegation visited the St. Sava Cathedral in Belgrade and the Museum of the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Bp. Gerasim also visited Russia for a week in December, in particular celebrating the 
30 years of OCA church in Moscow with Bishop Gerasim of Fort Worth, Russian and Antiochian hierarchsOn Saturday, December 7, the Church of the Great Martyr Catherine in the Fields in Moscow celebrated its patronal feast and its 30th anniversary as the representation of the Orthodox Church in America to the Moscow Patriarchate.
“>30th anniversary of the OCA’s representation church in Moscow.
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Source: Orthodox Christianity
