On November 20th, Orthodox Hierarchs serving in the Western Hemisphere of America convened at the St. Steven Serbian Cathedral in Alhambra, California. The impetus for this meeting was a collaborative effort conceived by Hierarchs Gerasimos and Maxim to facilitate a meeting with the newly appointed Hierarchs serving the Western Dioceses. Bishop Maxim of Los Angeles and Western America extended an invitation to the Hierarchs for a fraternal gathering and luncheon in the Social Hall of the Serbian Cathedral. In addition to Metropolitan Gerasimos and Bishop Maxim, the gathering included Bishops Anthony of the Antiochian Diocese and Bishop Vasily of the OCA, Bishop Ioannis of Phocaea, and other clergy.

The bishops were warmly welcomed by Bishop Maxim within the Cathedral, where a brief doxology was held in recognition of the recently appointed Bishop Vasily for the OCA Diocese of Western America.

Following the doxology and a brief tour of the Cathedral, the Hierarchs and clergy engaged in a productive luncheon, exchanging ideas and discussing future collaborative endeavors.

Among the diverse themes discussed, the Hierarchs reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to collaboration and the enrichment of the Orthodox Christian faith among the faithful in Western America. They also shared their perspectives on the significance of a catechetical approach for individuals interested in the Orthodox Church, the numerous catechumens across all the Dioceses in the West, and the pastoral role of youth and families within their parishes. Furthermore, they expressed their unwavering dedication to convening every Orthodox Sunday during Lent and visiting each other for important feasts of our Orthodox Churches.

Among the presented themes, the Pastoral course in Psychology, presented by Fathers Vasileios Thermos and Stephen Muse, jointly organized by the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of San Francisco and the Western American Diocese of the Serbian Orthodox Church, was brought to the fore for discussion. The course was met with widespread acclaim for its impactful work and contributions to the clergy and other participants.

During the meeting, the Hierarchs of Western America expressed their profound gratitude to God for the unity of the Church and their unwavering commitment to working together in the future. This collective effort is essential for ensuring the flourishing of the Church and the Orthodox faith, thereby fostering a sense of unity among the faithful.

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