NEW YORK: October 22, 2008 
The Primate of the Russian Church Abroad Visits the Headquarters of the Orthodox Church in America 

On October 16, 2008, His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion visited the headquarters of the Orthodox Church in America, where he was warmly greeted by His Eminence Archbishop Seraphim of Ottawa and Canada; His Grace Bishop Tikhon of Eastern Pennsylvania; His Grace Bishop Benjamin of Western America; Protopriest Alexander Garklavs; clergymen of St Sergius of Radonezh Church and members of the OCA Administration. Venerating the numerous holy icons and relics of St Sergius Church, His Eminence was given a tour of the premises and the archives. During lunch, Metropolitan Hilarion expressed his wish for divine aid in the All-American Council to be held in November, and told the hosts of the missionary work of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, and about the Diocese of Australia and New Zealand.  

As he bid farewell to the First Hierarch, Archbishop Seraphim expressed gratitude for his visit and kind attentions. 

Also participating in the meeting was Fr Serafim Gan, the Director of the Synodal Chancery of the Synod of Bishops and the Personal Secretary of the First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia.