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His search led him to a community of Romanians and Greeks led by Metr. Pangratios (Vrionis) of the [[Archdiocese]] of Vasilioupolis in Queens, New York (Vasilioupolis being Queens in Greek). Pangratios, however, was not recognized canonically by any other Orthodox Church. Regardless of the canonical aspects, Fr. Herman felt he had found a context for his brotherhood and missionary movement.
[[Image:Gerasim (Eliel).jpg|left|thumb|100px|Abbot Gerasim (Eliel), second abbot (2000-09)]]Living outside the canonical structure meant Fr. Herman's communities were in a no-man's land ecclesiastically. During the year 2000, Fr. Herman, in failing health, realized the need to rectify their status, and stepped down from his status as their leader. With his departure, the Brotherhood of St. Herman was able to enter the Western American Diocese of the Church of Serbia. Hieromonk Gerasim (Eliel) was elected abbot of the brotherhood, with Hieromonk hieromonk [[Damascene (Christensen) ]] elected deputy abbot.
In 2009, Fr. Gerasim was canonically transferred to the Orthodox Church in America and began studies at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Subsequently, Fr. Hilarion was elected abbot, a position he retains.
