Skip to Navigation

Archbishop Justinian Visits Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood

Visit of His Eminence Archbishop Justinian to the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, New Jersey on December 22, 2010

Click here for a photo gallery of Archbishop Justinian's visit

On December 22, 2010, His Eminence Metropolitan Philip hosted His Eminence Archbishop Justinian, the Administrator of the Parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the United States for a visit to the Archdiocese Headquarters in Englewood, NJ.

Attending the meeting (and pictured in the accompanying photo from left to right were):

  • Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, Cleric of St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Cathedral in New York
  • Archbishop Justinian
  • Metropolitan Philip
  • Archpriest Thomas Zain
  • Archpriest Elias Bitar

The two hierarchs discussed many topics which are important to the Orthodox faithful in America.  Among those topics were the vision for Orthodox unity, the role of the Assembly of Orthodox Canonical Bishops of North and Central America, the state of the church in Russia and her faithful, and the difficult situation for Orthodox Christians in the Middle East.

The discussion emphasized the historically strong ties between the Church of Russia and the Church of Antioch, and the need to not only preserve this strength, but enhance it.  The two hierarchs pledged to meet on a regular basis to share ideas and programs.

A television crew from Russian Television was present and filmed some of the events.  In addition, both hierarchs were interviewed on camera for airing on the evening news in Russia.

Following the meetings, the group was hosted for a luncheon in the formal dining room of the Archdiocese, and the two hierarchs exchanged gifts in appreciation and remembrance of the time spent together.