Archbishop Stefan, primate of the Macedonian Orthodox Church–Ohrid Archbishopric, welcomed a delegation from the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) led by Archbishop Michael of New York and New Jersey during a meeting held on June 10 at the Monastery of St. Panteleimon in Nerezi, near Skopje.

Archbishop Michael is visiting North Macedonia as part of a pilgrimage that includes clergy, theological educators, and Orthodox faithful from the United States. The delegation is traveling through the region to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the repose of St. Nikolai (Velimirović), one of the most influential Serbian Orthodox theologians and preachers of the twentieth century.

During the meeting, Archbishop Stefan welcomed the American visitors and spoke about the history of the Macedonian Orthodox Church and the development of Christianity in the territory of present-day North Macedonia. The church leaders exchanged commemorative gifts and discussed various aspects of ecclesiastical life, including clergy formation and the advancement of Orthodox theological education.

According to participants, particular attention was given to cooperation among the Local Orthodox Churches and to strengthening ties between Orthodox Christians across national boundaries.

Archbishop Michael conveyed greetings from Metropolitan Tikhon, primate of the Orthodox Church in America, and expressed hope for continued growth in relations between the two churches. Archbishop Stefan, in turn, recalled with gratitude a previous joint liturgical service with Metropolitan Tikhon in Washington, highlighting the importance of ongoing dialogue and collaboration.

The American delegation’s visit forms part of a pilgrimage organized by St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Theological Seminary in Pennsylvania. The journey is dedicated to the life and legacy of St. Nikolai Velimirović, whose ministry left a lasting impact on Orthodox Christianity in both the Balkans and the United States.

St. Nikolai spent his early years in Serbia and later served as bishop of the Diocese of Ohrid. During World War II, following the German occupation of Yugoslavia, he was arrested by Nazi authorities along with the Serbian Patriarch of the time. In the final years of his life, he lived in the United States, where he taught theology and served as rector of St. Tikhon’s Seminary, becoming a central figure in the development of American Orthodoxy.

The meeting in Nerezi underscored the growing connections between Orthodox communities in North America and the Balkans, as church leaders emphasized the value of spiritual cooperation, education, and shared historical heritage.