Malankara Orthodox Church Delegation Participates in Feast of St. Matrona of Moscow

DECR, Department of Ecumenical Relations and OCP News Service – 08/03/2025

Moscow- Russia: With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and His Holiness Catholicos Marthoma Mathews the Third of Malankara , a delegation from the Malankara Orthodox Church arrived in Russia from India to participate in the celebrations marking the day of the uncovering of the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow. In recent years, the veneration of Saint Matrona by Indian Christians has been steadily growing, making these visits a cherished tradition.

The delegation, led by Metropolitan Yuhanon Demetrios of Delhi, President of the Department of Ecumenical Relations of the Malankara Orthodox Church, included Metropolitan Geevarghese Yulios of Kunnamkulam and Father Ashwin Fernandis, secretary to the Department of Ecumenical Relations. The guests were accompanied by Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), Secretary of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate for Inter-Christian Relations, and Hieromonk Mark (Akhmatkhanov), a DECR employee.

Upon their arrival at the Pokrovsky Stavropegic Convent, the delegation was warmly welcomed by Abbess Feofania (Miskina) and the convent sisters. That evening, the pilgrims from India joined the festive all-night vigil and venerated the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow. As a symbol of their devotion, the guests presented the Pokrovsky Convent with a shroud, beautifully embroidered in India, featuring an image of the revered Russian saint.

The following day, March 7, the delegation participated in the Feast Day celebrations led by His Holiness Patriarch Kirill. Following the Divine Liturgy, Patriarch received the Malankara Church delegation in a private audience, where they discussed strengthening the relations between their respective churches. The delegation conveyed fraternal greetings from His Holiness Catholicos Marthoma Mathews III, the Holy Episcopal Synod, and the faithful of the Malankara Orthodox Church. Afterwards, the delegation was invited by Patriarch to participate in the luncheon feast commemorating St. Matrona, alongside eminent dignitaries of the Russian Orthodox Church.

This visit underscores the deepening spiritual connection between Indian Christians and the Russian Orthodox Church, particularly through the growing veneration of St. Matrona of Moscow.

Source:

DECR and Department of Ecumenical Relations of Malankara Orthodox Church