Delegation from St. Petersburg Theological Schools Visits Egypt for Academic Collaboration

DECR – OCP News Service – 11/12/2023

Moscow- Russia: From November 24 to December 4, 2023, a delegation of teachers, staff, and students of St. Petersburg theological schools visited Egypt. The trip was part of the ongoing collaboration between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Church, and aimed to develop academic cooperation and make a pilgrimage to ancient Christian shrines.

The delegation was led by Archpriest Vladimir Khulap, Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs of the St. Petersburg Theological Academy. Other members included Archpriest Dimitry Yurevich, Hieromonk Luka (Pronskikh), Priest Alexy Remizov, S.G. Alferov, and students D.A. Yankin, I.D. Ivanov, S.V. Kravets, I.S. Lelikov, and A.V. Karpu

The first stop was the El-Muharraq monastery, located on the site where the Holy Family is believed to have stayed during their flight to Egypt. The delegation visited the monastery churches, talked with the brethren, and attended classes at the seminary located within the monastery walls.

On November 30, the delegation arrived in Cairo and participated in the ceremonial act celebrating the 130th anniversary of the opening of the Coptic Theological Academy. The ceremony was led by His Holiness Pope Tawadros II.

The delegation then visited the Academy and held a joint seminar on the modern system of church education in Russia. They also discussed plans for further joint projects between SPbDA, OCAD, and El-Muharraq monastery.

The visit also included pilgrimages to several Coptic monasteries and churches, including the White Monastery, the Red Monastery, and the Hanging Church.

The delegation returned to Russia on December 5.

This visit is a significant step forward in the developing relationship between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Coptic Church. It is hoped that the collaboration will continue to grow in the years to come.

Source:

OCP News Service