At the end of 2010, the second Orthodox parish in the Dominican Republic was opened in the province of Higüey, in the famous tourist city of Punta Cana. This community, dedicated to the Reverend Seraphim of Sarov, became part of the Eastern American and New York Diocese. Father Rafael Martinez Gonzalez was appointed as the rector, which was confirmed by the decree of Metropolitan Hilarion. Since the rector serves both communities in Sosúa and Punta Cana, it was decided that during the first two weeks of each month, Saturday evening vigils and Sunday liturgies would take place in Sosúa. In the remaining two weeks, services will be held in Punta Cana, at the parish on Las Brisas Street, where one can also request molebens, panikhidas, as well as conduct wedding or baptism ceremonies.