It is a great honor for me to participate in the feast of Saint Catherine, the patron of St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church. Your Holiness, I thank you that you were able to come here on this day.
11 years ago in this church the Patriarch together with the American Metropolitan Theodosius served the first joint service after the fall of Communism.
The re-establishment of this church as the Representation of the Orthodox Church in America witnesses to the personal efforts of the Patriarch to tear down the barriers between Russians and Americans.
The tradition of contacts between our peoples exists for already more than two centuries. Father Zacchaeus and Bishop Mercury, the head of the representation of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA, continue this tradition, and offer their efforts in broadening common understanding and tolerance thorough all borders.
There is much praise for the prayer service and round table discussion in relation to the problems of HIV/AIDS that was recently held here by Father Zacchaeus.
Today marks the 12th year that the church of St. Catherine became the Representation of the Orthodox Church in America.
I am confident that this church will act as a bridge between our two cultures in the future. I sincerely wish Father Zacchaeus best wishes in his mission as a pastor and Representative. I congratulate all the parishioners of this church with the feast of your heavenly patron, and I wish you the best.
Thank you.
(unofficial translation provided by www.st-catherine.ru)
