Malankara Orthodox Church Delegation Visits Smolensk, Deepens Ties with Russian Orthodox Church

DECR and OCP News Service – 12/03/2025

Moscow- Russia: A delegation from the Malankara Orthodox Church, led by Metropolitan Yuhanon Demetrios of Delhi, continuing their visit to Russia with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, spent two days, March 10-11, 2025, exploring the Smolensk Metropolitanate, further strengthening ties with the Russian Orthodox Church.

Their visit commenced with a trip to the Spaso-Bogoroditsky Odigitrievsky Convent near Vyazma, where they were welcomed by Metropolitan Isidore of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh. The delegation toured the newly constructed convent, built on the site of a historic World War II battle, and viewed a museum dedicated to fallen Soviet soldiers.

Upon arriving in Smolensk, the delegation visited the Assumption Cathedral, a significant landmark in the region. The following day, discussions were held at the Smolensk Metropolitanate, followed by a visit to the 12th-century Church of the Archangel Michael, where they learned about its history and contemporary parish life.

The delegation also visited the “Smolensk House for Mom,” a regional Orthodox center for family support, and met with staff and residents. A meeting at Smolensk State University with Rector M.N. Artemenkov facilitated discussions on potential educational collaborations.

A significant meeting with the Governor of the Smolensk Region, V.N. Anokhin, highlighted the region’s historical significance and its contributions to Russian culture, including the legacy of Patriarch Kirill’s long service in Smolensk. The governor expressed interest in strengthening economic, social, and educational ties with India.

The Malankara Orthodox delegation reciprocated, expressing interest in educational exchanges and acknowledging the strong friendship between Russia and India. They emphasized the role of both church and state leaders in fostering these relations, noting Catholicos Marthoma Mathews III’s receipt of the Russian Federation’s Order of Friendship.

The visit concluded with a tour of the Smolensk Orthodox Theological Seminary, where the delegation met with seminarians and Indian medical students. Discussions covered doctrinal issues, theological education, inter-church cooperation, and spiritual traditions. The delegation reaffirmed the strong bond between Russia and India, built on mutual respect and trust.

Source: DECR