Russian Orthodox Church Expands in Southeast Asia with Myanmar Agreement

The signing ceremony was attended by key figures, including Myanmar’s Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs, U Tin U Lwin, Russian Ambassador to Myanmar, I.K. Azizov, and Metropolitan Sergius of Singapore and Southeast Asia, Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia.

Minister U Tin U Lwin highlighted the significance of the government’s decision to authorize the Russian Orthodox Church’s religious activities in Myanmar. He emphasized that this initiative stemmed from discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

Metropolitan Sergius expressed his gratitude to the Myanmar government for their cooperation, noting the timing of the agreement during the 77th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Myanmar. He assured the Minister and attendees that the future Orthodox church in Yangon will be a beautiful addition to the city, with its golden domes symbolizing spiritual closeness and mutual understanding between the two nations. This agreement marks a significant step in the expansion of the Russian Orthodox Church’s presence in Southeast Asia.