From Friday the 14th to Monday the 17th of July, His Eminence Nicholas, Metropolitan of Eastern America & New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Church Abroad, visited the clergy and faithful of the Nativity of Christ Old Rite Community in Erie, PA. His Eminence was accompanied by His Grace John, Bishop of Caracas & South America.

On Friday evening the Erie parish held an "open day," during which the rector, Archpriest Pimen Simon, told neighbors and local residents about the church and the life of the community he heads.

On July 15 and 16, in memory of Hieromartyr Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow & All Russia, the All-Night Vigil and Divine Liturgy were served here, during which the First Hierarch and Bishop John, the assembled clergy, parishioners, and pilgrims honored the 40th anniversary of the canonical reception of members of the Nativity of Christ Old Rite Community into the Russian Church Abroad. At the end of Divine Liturgy, the text of the Synod of Bishops' greeting on this occasion was read aloud:

Dear in the Lord Father Pimen, brothers and sisters!

On behalf of the episcopate, clergy, monastics, and spiritual children of our Church scattered all over the world, we cordially congratulate you on a significant date – the fortieth anniversary of your canonical admission to the Russian Church Abroad!

Observing the ministry and activities of your parish, our souls fervently rejoice that faith is preserved, piety grows stronger and unhurried, and deep prayer is reverently offered up here. Divine services according to the order adopted under the first five Holy Patriarchs of Moscow and All Rus', bring modern people back to the ancient times of Holy Rus'. It comes alive in their hearts and thoughts, in hymns and prayers. We see that here the conditions are so that a person can personally meet God and immerse himself in prayer, which is what he needs for both temporal and eternal life. The splendor of your temple reflects the beauty of your hearts and your life, reminiscent of the ancient Russian life of our ancestors. The current celebrations again testify that the Church of Christ is one, that the ancient and new rites are equally salvific, that together we preach God, worshiped in the Trinity, and serve Him together.

And you, dear Father Pimen, all these years, like an inextinguishable lamp before God, have been performing your service here, giving your brothers and children an example of reverence and fear of God during worship and in the performance of your pastoral duty and an example of church sobriety and obedience. May the Lord continue to bless you with patience, wisdom and love for all, so that by the personal example of your life and service, they may sow what is good, reasonable and eternal!

Congratulating all of you again, we prayerfully ask the Lord for all of you a prosperous and peaceful life, renewal of all strength, like-mindedness and love in Christ, and for the departed parishioners and pilgrims – blessed repose with the saints! May the current communal prayer, in which we are also joining you, reach the Throne of the Holy Trinity and may the Lord fulfill our petitions!

Communication with the clergy and parishioners of the Nativity of Christ Community continued at a festive meal arranged by the efforts of the local sisterhood.