ABBOT GERASIM VISITED BRAZIL
South America - Abbot Gerasim of St Herman of Alaska´s Monastery in Platina, California (Brotherhood of the Serbian Orthodox Diocese of Western America), visited the Serbian Orthodox Mission in Brazil with the blessings of Bishop Mitrophan (Diocese of Eastern America) and Bishop Maxim (Diocese of Western America).
He arrived on July 25th and was welcomed by Archpriest Alexis and Archpriest Rafael and Ighuman Pedro. From July 14th till 27th he celebrated Vespers and the Divine Liturgy at the Most Holy Trinity Parish in Aldeia which were celebrated by him and the priests: Fr. Alexis, Fr. Rafael, Ig. Pedro and Fr. Elias.
On August 1st / July 19th, he visited the St. John Chrysostom's Mission in Caruaru - the second most important city of the State of Pernambuco - where he was welcomed by the lay responsible for the Mission, Mr. Jairo Carlos. He also celebrated Vespers and delivered a lecture on the Orthodox Faith to a group of catechumens and those interested on the Orthodox Church. On Saturday, August 2nd / July 20th, he celebrated the Divine Liturgy in commemoration of the Feast of the Holy Prophet Elijah and in the afternoon the office of Vespers.an - Brazil under the blessing of Bishop Mitrophan - Diocese of West America
On all his stay in Brazil, besides the local clergy, he attended a lot of the faithful and made contacts with individuals interested on the Church from the States of Alagoas, Minas Gerais and São Paulo.
On Sunday, August 3rd / July 21st, he celebrated at the Parish of Dormition of the Mother of God in Recife with the parish rector, Archpriest Alexis, and the Ighuman Pedro, who is monk of St. Herman´s Brotherhood and seminarian of St. Tikhon's Seminary, Pennsylvania, USA).
Last Sunday he left for Brasilia where he was waited for by a group of the Orthodox faithful to whom he had offered spiritual assistance.
We glorify God for the fruitful and blessed visit of Abbot Gerasim to Brazil, for his support and comfort that he gives to this Orthodox Mission, which had been so desirous of his pastoral visits. Glory to God for everything!