Department for External Church Relations
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Delegation of the Archdiocese of Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe visits Holy Trinity and St. Sergius Lavra and Moscow Diocesan House
On 2nd November 2019, the delegation of the Archdiocese of Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe led by Archbishop John of Dubna, which had arrived in Russia for the celebrations marking the unification of the Archdiocese with the Russian Orthodox Church, visited the Holy Trinity and St. Sergius Lavra.
On their visit to the monastery the delegation members were accompanied by Metropolitan Antony of Korsun and Western Europe, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Administration for Institutions Abroad; Bishop Savva of Zelenograd, deputy chancellor of the Moscow Patriarchate; and Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, vice-chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations.
The guests joined the abbot of the Lavra, Bishop Paramon of Sergiev Posad, in celebrating a moleben of thanksgiving at the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh.
The members of the Archdiocese’s delegation also venerated the shrines of the Serapion’s Chamber and saw the monastery’s sights.
During a brotherly repast that followed Archbishop John thanked Bishop Paramon for the warm hospitality, saying in particular: “You welcome us like brothers, and we are touched. Here we feel the love of the Russian people. For us to return here is to return to the cradle.”
That same day later the delegation of the Archdiocese of Western European parishes visited the Moscow Diocesan House in Likhov Side Street – the venue of the Local Council of 1917-18. Vladyka John and the delegation members prayed at Matins in the Church of the Holy Prince Vladimir, Equal-to-the-Apostles, located at the Diocesan House.
After the divine service the guests were greeted by Archpriest Vladimir Vorobyov, rector of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox University of the Humanities.
Addressing all those present, Archbishop John of Dubna emphasized the symbolic significance of the place where the Council of 1917-18 took place. “Based on its decisions Metropolitan Eulogius of blessed memory founded our Archdiocese,” Vladyka John said.
Patriarchia.ru/
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