Medal of St Mark of Ephesus awarded to First Deputy Head of Moscow Department for External Economic and International Relations

DECR Communication service, 02.10.2026.

On the 2nd of October 2026, on behalf of Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov, Deputy Chairman of the DECR, presented the Medal of St Mark of Ephesus, 2nd Class, to I.P. Tkach, First Deputy Head of the Department for External Economic and International Relations of the City of Moscow.

The DECR presents this award to both clergy and laypeople “for achievements in the field of external church relations, for cooperation between Church and state authorities in the sphere of international relations, for promoting harmony and civil peace in society, for a significant contribution to inter-Orthodox cooperation, for supporting compatriots living abroad, for strengthening peace and friendship between countries and peoples, and for active participation in Church and secular diplomacy.”

Archpriest Igor Vyzhanov congratulated I.P. Tkach on his 65th birthday, which he celebrated this year, and wished him strength and God’s help in carrying out his duties in his responsible position.

The award ceremony took place at the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

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Medal of St Mark of Ephesus awarded to First Deputy Head of Moscow Department for External Economic and International Relations

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Department Chairman

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