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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|300px|Abbot Gerasim (Eliel), the second abbot of St Herman's Monastery (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 entered into communion with the Church of Serbia. Hieromonk Gerasim (Eliel) was elected abbot of the brotherhood, with Hieromonk Damascene (Christensen) elected deputy abbot.
In 2009, Fr. Gerasim was accepted into the Orthodox Church in America and began studies at St. Vladimir's Seminary. Subsequently, Fr. Hilarion was elected abbot.
