Department for External Church Relations
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Celebrations take place in Paris, marking 5th anniversary of reunification of the Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe with the Russian Orthodox Church
DECR Communication Service, 16/12/2024
On 15th December 2024, the celebrations marking the 5th anniversary of the reunification of the Archdiocese of Orthodox Churches of Russian Tradition in Western Europe with the Russian Orthodox Church were held in Paris.
On that day, the Divine Liturgy at Saint Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Rue Daru was celebrated by Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations; Metropolitan Jean of Dubna, head of the Archdiocese; and Bishop Syméon of Domodedovo, Vicar of the Archdiocese.
Concelebrating with the hierarchs was an assembly of clergymen – clerics of the Archdiocese and the Patriarchal Exarchate of Western Europe.
After the dismissal, Metropolitan Anthony read out a message of greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’ and on His Holiness’ behalf congratulated all those present on the memorable occasion. Metropolitan Anthony also spoke about the importance of the reunification that had taken place five years ago, allowing the Archdiocese, upon joining the Russian Orthodox Church, to preserve its rich historical heritage and unique identity. The DECR chairman warmly greeted Metropolitan Jean of Dubna and pointed out that the personal authority of His Eminence, who is loved by the Archdiocese’s clergy and flock, along with his concern for the future of the ecclesiastical domain entrusted to him had been key to the decision to return to the bosom of the Mother Church.
In his turn, Metropolitan Jean thanked the DECR chairman for taking part in the celebrations. In his speech, His Eminence emphasized that the reunification with the Moscow Patriarchate helped the Archdiocese to continue its salvific mission in Western Europe, enabling it to elect auxiliary bishops and ensure the traditions continuity. Metropolitan Jean expressed his gratitude to His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and the members of the Holy Synod for granting the Patriarchal and Synodal Charter that has been guiding the life of the Archdiocese for five years now. His Eminence warmly thanked Metropolitan Anthony for his personal participation in the negotiations that had preceded the reunification and for continued active care for the Archdiocese.
The divine service was followed by a repast at the parish house for the hierarchs, the clergy and the parishioners.
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