On May 17 of 2015 was eight years since the signing of Act of Canonical Communion between the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia and the Russian Orthodox Church. That document was signed by ever memorable Patriarch Alexy II and Metropolitan Laurus.

According to blessing of First Hierarch of Russian Orthodox Church Abroad, Metropolitan of Eastern America and New York Hilarion, in St. John Cathedral of Brooklyn the Divine Liturgy was celebrated. During the service, headed by Rector and Dean of First Deanery of New York Archpriest Alexander Belya, a special thanksgiving prayer for prosperity of Russian Orthodox Church was read, as well as prayers for the repose of Patriarch Alexy and Metropolitan Laurus souls.

At the end of the Liturgy, «memory eternal» was proclaimed for both Primates.

Father Alexander in his sermon noted the importance of that historical document, the signing of which the believers of one divided Church waited for many years. Father Rector emphasized that restoration of the unity of Church is precious because it unites our faithful people.

Reference. On May 17 of 2007 in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow a festive ceremony of signing of the Act of Canonical Communion of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside Russia with the Russian orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchate took place.

For such special occasion the Divine Liturgy was celebrated. Metropolitan Laurus was greeted with a special bell ringing. Patriarch Alexy also arrived soon.

The Act was solemnly read out and at the ambo Patriarch Alexy and Metropolitan Laurus put their signatures.

After signing of the Act the expression of wishes for long life both to the Holy Synod of Russian Orthodox Church and to the Synod of Bishop of ROCOR was proclaimed.

Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia makes its soul-saving mission in the historical totality of its dioceses, parishes, monasteries, brotherhoods and other church institutions, and it became the integral, self-governing part of Russian Orthodox Church. ROCOR is independent in its pastoral, administrative, economic, ownership and civilian actions, being at the same time in the canonical unity with the fullness of Russian Orthodox Church. Spiritual, legislative, administrative, judicial and supervisory power belongs to Synod of Bishops of ROCOR. According to Regulations of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, the Synod of Bishops is gathering by First Hierarch.