On Wednesday, July 5, 2006, His Beatitude, the Most Blessed HERMAN, Archbishop of Washington and New York, Metropolitan of All America and Canada and Primate of the Orthodox Church in America celebrated a service of prayer before the wonderworking Port Arthur "Feast of the Most Holy Theotokos" Icon at St. Catherine the Great Martyr Church.
Prior to the service, His Beatitude was greeted outside the temple by parish Dean and OCA Representative to the Moscow Patriarchate, Archimandrite Zacchaeus and the staff of the Representation church. Once inside, a majestic choir greeted the Primate of the Orthodox Church in America with the singing of the hymn to the Virgin Mary, "It is truly meet!-" as he made his way through the church. His Beatitude vested and began the celebration of an intercessory moleben before the wonderworking image of the Most Holy Birthgiver of God together with Archimandrite Zacchaeus and parish clergy. Also praying before the holy image together with His Beatitude were His Eminence, Metropolitan LEO of Karelia and All Finland, and His Grace, Bishop IGNATY of Vyazem who has been accompanying His Beatitude throughout his visit to Moscow.
Following the divine service, the Very Reverend Archimandrite Zacchaeus welcomed His Beatitude on behalf of the faithful clergy and laity of the parish and presented him with a gift of a panagia (C the symbol of the hierarchical rank of clergy. In addition, Father Zacchaeus entreated His Beatitude's prayers for the parish community. Metropolitan HERMAN, in turn, expressed his thanks to the parish Dean, clergy and faithful for their love and support and encouraged them to continue to grow as a community united together in love for Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Following the prayer service, a reception was held in His Beatitude's honor in the parish dining hall.