Metropolitan Nicholas of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia (ROCOR), has paid an archpastoral visit to the Dominican Republic, where he visited an Orthodox missionary parish in the city of Sosúa. The visit was reported on the ROCOR website.

The parish, dedicated to the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, was founded in 2008 and is one of only a few Orthodox communities in the predominantly Catholic Caribbean nation. It brings together Russian-speaking faithful from the former Soviet Union as well as local residents who have embraced Orthodoxy. Over the years, the parish has also developed into a cultural hub: it hosts a Russian–Dominican Center of Science and Culture, where Russian language classes have been offered free of charge to local residents for several years. Knowledge of the language helps Dominicans work with tourists and maintain ties with the Russian-speaking diaspora.

During his visit, Metropolitan Nicholas presided over church services, consecrated a new Eucharistic set donated to the mission, and honored the parish rector, Priest Rafael Martínez-González, elevating him to the rank of archpriest in recognition of his many years of missionary service. Representatives of Orthodox communities from Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic were also tonsured as readers.

At the conclusion of the Sunday Divine Liturgy, Russia’s ambassador to the Dominican Republic, Alexey Seredin, arrived at the church. Discussions during the meeting focused on the further development of the Orthodox mission and the life of the local community.

Metropolitan Nicholas also inspected the land adjacent to the church, where the possible acquisition of additional premises for parish needs is being considered. The visit marked a significant event for the country’s small Orthodox community, where three ROCOR parishes are currently active.