Department for External Church Relations
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DECR Chairman delivered a lecture to students of the Russian Orthodox University
DECR Communication service, 09.10.2024
On October 9, as part of the lecture series at the Russian Orthodox University (ROU) of St. John the Theologian, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, spoke to faculty and students in the auditorium of the ROU on Novaya Ploshchad in Moscow, reports patriarchia.ru.
At the entrance to the university, Metropolitan Anthony was greeted by the rector of the ROU, A.V. Shchipkov, and the rector of the Church of the Apostle John the Theologian in Vyaz, Archpriest Mikhail Dudko.
Students from the theology, law, and psychology faculties gathered in the auditorium. A.V. Shchipkov served as the moderator of the meeting.
After a general prayer and the rector's greeting, Bishop Anthony delivered a lecture titled "Orthodoxy in International Politics," dedicated to the current state of inter-church relations, the Orthodox understanding of interreligious dialogue, its goals, and its significance for ensuring harmonious interfaith relations. The DECR Chairman specifically addressed the issues of protecting the canonical Church in Ukraine, providing detailed insights into his discussions with the Primates of Orthodox Churches regarding overcoming the crisis in inter-Orthodox relations.
Metropolitan Anthony emphasized the key principles of the Church's relationship with political institutions, as outlined in ecclesiastical documents, particularly in the "Basics of the Social Concept of the Russian Orthodox Church." He informed the audience about the activities of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, which has maintained connections between the Russian Orthodox Church and Local Churches, non-Orthodox Churches, Christian organizations, intergovernmental and international public organizations for nearly eight decades, participating in efforts with compatriots abroad, assisting them in establishing and developing regular contacts with fellow believers around the world and with the Church in their homeland.
The hierarch's lecture sparked lively interest among the numerous listeners. After the presentation, Metropolitan Anthony answered students' questions, which covered a wide range of topics. In response to questions, the DECR Chairman discussed the peculiarities of the ministry of clergy from the Russian Orthodox Church in foreign parishes, as well as the challenges faced by compatriots abroad in raising children and adolescents in the spirit of Christian values.
After a joint prayer, Metropolitan Anthony blessed the faculty and students.
Photos by Vladimir Khodakov
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