Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe Visits the Principality of Andorra

DECR Communication Service, 31.07.2026.

On July 29, 2026, Metropolitan Mark of Korsun and Western Europe, Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe and ruling bishop of the Diocese of Spain and Portugal, visited the Parish of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God in the Principality of Andorra and celebrated a moleben in the parish church.

The Orthodox community in Andorra is under the pastoral care of Archimandrite Seraphim (Pavlov), rector of the Church of the Annunciation in Barcelona. Divine services are celebrated monthly in the ancient Romanesque Church of Saints Julian and Germanus, which has been made available by the Catholic Diocese of Urgell. The church has been restored and adorned with mosaics by the renowned artist Fr. Marko Rupnik.

Metropolitan Mark also visited the Catholic Sanctuary of Meritxell, where the famous statue of the Virgin Mary is kept. Our Lady of Meritxell is venerated as the patroness of the Principality of Andorra.

The archpastor then visited the Honorary Consulate of the Russian Federation in Andorra, where he met with Honorary Consul Narcís Socías Tomàs and left a commemorative entry in the book of honorary guests, the website of the Diocese of Korsun reports.

On the same day, he visited the ancient Cathedral of Saint Mary in the city of Urgell in Catalonia (Spain) and the offices of the local Catholic diocese, where Metropolitan Mark of Korsun and Western Europe met with Bishop Josep-Lluís Serrano Pentinat of Urgell. During the conversation, which took place in a warm atmosphere, the parties discussed a wide range of issues of mutual interest and exchanged commemorative gifts.

The Bishop of Urgell, together with the President of France, is recognized as the official Co-Prince of Andorra, a status that has existed since the end of the thirteenth century.

Metropolitan Mark was accompanied during his visit to Andorra and Urgell by Archimandrite Seraphim (Pavlov).

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Patriarchal Exarch of Western Europe Visits the Principality of Andorra

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

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