Rector of Life-Giving Spring Orthodox Church in Hot Springs participated in Patriarch Bartholomew’s meeting with clergy of American Archdiocese

On September 23, 2025, at the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America in New York, a meeting took place between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the hierarchs, clergy, and monastics of the American Archdiocese.

The rector of the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Life-Giving Spring” in Hot Springs, Archpriest Vasyl Babych, took part in the meeting.

Before the meeting began, the Vicar of the Slavic Vicariate, Archimandrite Alexander (Belya), who has been elected Bishop of Nikopolis, greeted His All-Holiness and presented him with a bouquet of white roses.

During the audience, Archimandrite Alexander informed Patriarch Bartholomew about the development and current state of the Vicariate. This year marks the 6th anniversary of the founding of the Slavic Vicariate. To date, it unites 12 parishes served by 23 priests, 2 deacons, and 3 nuns. Fr. Alexander thanked His All-Holiness for his wise decision and blessing to establish the Vicariate, where priests of various Slavic traditions have found a canonical home under the omophorion of the Ecumenical Patriarch.

On behalf of the clergy, monastics, and laity of the Slavic Vicariate, Archimandrite Alexander presented His All-Holiness with a panagia bearing the image of the Savior, expressing gratitude for his support and prayers.

Source