Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church takes part in the divine service at the Church of the “Unexpected Joy” Icon of the Mother of God in Zahlé, Lebanon

DECR Communication Service, 07/08/2026

On 6^th August 2026, the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord according to the Revised Julian Calendar, Archimandrite Philip (Vasiltsev), Representative of the Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’ to the Patriarchal Throne of Antioch, visited the Lebanese city of Zahlé. At the invitation of Metropolitan Antonios of Zahlé and Baalbek and the Representative of the Patriarch of Antioch and All the East to the Moscow Patriarchal Throne, Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis, Father Philip took part in Matins and the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the “Unexpected Joy” Icon of the Mother of God.

Officiating at the Divine Liturgy were Metropolitan Antonios of Zahlé and Baalbek and Metropolitan Niphon of Philippopolis. Among their concelebrants, apart from Father Philip (Vasiltsev), were clerics of the Archdiocese of Zahlé and Baalbek, reports the website of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Representation in Beirut.

Metropolitan Niphon delivered a homily dedicated to the Feast of the Holy Transfiguration.

After the dismissal, Metropolitan Antonios cordially greeted Metropolitan Niphon and Archimandrite Philip and told all those present about a pilgrimage trip to Moscow that a delegation of the Orthodox Church of Antioch had undertaken the week before.

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With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, Metropolitan Silouan of Mount Lebanon and Metropolitan Antonios of Zahlé and Baalbek undertook a pilgrimage to Russia on 24^th – 30^th July to take part in the patronal celebrations at the Moscow Metochion of the Orthodox Church of Antioch. During their trip, the two hierarchs visited churches and monasteries in Moscow and the Moscow Region.

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Representative of the Russian Orthodox Church takes part in the divine service at the Church of the “Unexpected Joy” Icon of the Mother of God in Zahlé, Lebanon

Patriarch

Department Chairman

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Patriarch

Department Chairman

Sermons