A Brotherhood in Christ: Patriarch Porfirije and Patriarch Kirill Affirm Orthodox Unity in Moscow

DECR , spc.rs & OCP News Service – 23/04/2025

Moscow- Russia: His Holiness Serbian Patriarch Porfirije, on an official visit to Moscow with a delegation from the Serbian Orthodox Church, met with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia at the Patriarchal and Synodal Residence in the Danilov Monastery on April 22, 2025.

Before the meeting, the heads of the two Churches visited the chapel within the Patriarchal residence. Welcoming his distinguished guest with heartfelt hospitality and fraternal respect, Patriarch Kirill emphasized that the relationship between the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches has always been characterized by mutual understanding, love, and support. He noted that this deep connection stems not only from shared language, culture, and history but also from the common suffering both Churches endured—particularly during the persecutions of the 20th century.

He added, “These shared historical experiences unite our Churches in understanding the pastoral mission of the Church today. Although the harsh persecutions of past regimes are no longer present, the Church now faces new challenges from modern society, including the rise of false ideals and the marginalization of Christian values. This underscores the need for our Churches to work together in missionary and theological efforts.”

Patriarch Kirill extended his best wishes to Patriarch Porfirije in his service to the Serbian Church, the Serbian people, and all of Orthodoxy. In response, Patriarch Porfirije expressed his joy in celebrating the Resurrection of Christ together in Moscow, affirming that the good relations between the Russian and Serbian Orthodox Churches serve as a model for all Orthodox communities. He said, “Thank you for your love. May God bless you, your collaborators, bishops, clergy, and the entire Russian Orthodox faithful. Christ is Risen!”

During the warm and brotherly conversation, Patriarch Kirill highlighted the significance of the visit taking place during Bright Week, saying, “Today’s encounter is unique in that we celebrate the Risen Savior together. This gives special meaning and depth to our relationship, rooted in shared history and culture, and a united mission.”

Patriarch Kirill also congratulated Patriarch Porfirije on being awarded an honorary doctorate by the Moscow Theological Academy, acknowledging his theological contributions and dedication to spiritual education. “Your commitment to theological education and spiritual enlightenment in your homeland is truly admirable,” he said.

He praised Patriarch Porfirije’s efforts to enhance cooperation between the two Churches in the fields of spiritual education and student exchange. “You are both a wise leader and a dear brother, united with us in faith, history, culture, and shared perspectives on global developments,” he said.

Previous honorary doctorates from the Russian Orthodox Church have been awarded to prominent Serbian patriarchs such as Gavrilo (†1950) and German (†1991), and Patriarch Kirill noted that this tradition strengthens the bond between the Churches.

Patriarch Porfirije, in turn, thanked the Moscow Theological Academy for the honor, calling it an expression of love between the two Churches and their peoples. He underlined the importance of theological education, noting the need for spiritual schools to remain firmly rooted in church life, rather than becoming detached academic institutions. “Theology is our life,” he said, “and to be a true theologian, one must also be a person of prayer.”

As the meeting concluded, both patriarchs exchanged gifts and continued their dialogue on topics of pan-Orthodox unity and inter-Church relations, among other shared concerns. The rest of the day was dedicated to formal discussions between the delegations, continuing into the evening.

Participating in the meeting on behalf of the Russian Orthodox Church were: Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate; Bishop Alexy of Ramensk, personal secretary to Patriarch Kirill; Protopriest Nikolai Balashov, advisor to the Patriarch; Protopriest Igor Yakimchuk, Deputy Chairman of the DECR; Hieromonk Theophan (Lukyanov), DECR Protocol Head; and Andrey Khoshev, a staff member of the Inter-Orthodox Relations Sector.

Accompanying the Serbian Patriarch were: Archbishop Irinej of Novi Sad and Metropolitan of Bačka; Bishop Stefan of Remesiana, head of the Serbian Church Representation in Moscow; Archimandrite Hariton, abbot of Kovilj Monastery; Protopriest Đorđe Stojisavljević, Chief of the Patriarch’s Cabinet; Protodeacon Radomir Vrućinić, rector of the St. Sava Theological Seminary in Belgrade; Protodeacon Radojica Žagran; Archdeacon Justin from Kovilj Monastery; Deacon Ivan Vasiljević; and subdeacons Dejan Nakić and Vladimir Jelić.

Source: OCP News Service