On Thursday, May 16th, with the blessing of the Interim Administrator of the Patriarchal Parishes in the USA, Bishop Matthew of Sourozh, the Vice Chancellor Priest Mark Rashkov took part in an interfaith forum organized by the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships  (https://www.nyc.gov/site/cfcp/index.page)of NYC and the The 67th Precinct Clergy Council titled "Staying Together: Preserving Community Cohesion Amidst Times of Turbulence".

The event, held at the Weeksville Heritage Center in Brooklyn, was led by Pastor Gil Monroe, Executive Director of the Office of Religious and Community Partnerships and Faith Adviser to Mayor Eric Adams of New York, and Brooklyn Borough Director Anastasia Yaskova. Over forty representatives of religious organizations in the city attended the forum. During the exchange of opinions, participants discussed how global conflicts affect the attitudes of believers and how religious authorities should promote respect and empathy among their flock in the multicultural and multi-confessional New York.

Father Mark Rashkov spoke about the activities of the parishes of the Moscow Patriarchate in the USA as well as the peacemaking efforts of the Russian Orthodox Church, its Primate, and clergy in the context of global crises and conflicts. Forum participants unanimously supported the initiative of city authorities to maintain a regular format for such meetings, in order to jointly prevent the spread of intolerance among people of different nationalities and religious beliefs.