Hierarchs of the Malankara Church visited the Smolensk Metropolis

DECR – OCP News Service – 02/09/2023

Moscow-Russia: From August 31 to September 1, a delegation from the Malankara Orthodox Church visited the Smolensk Metropolis as part of the Co-Chairmen of the Working Group on Coordinating Bilateral Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Church, Metropolitan Zachariah Nicholovos (Northeast American Diocese) and Metropolitan Abraham Stephanos (UK, Europe, and Africa Dioceses). They were accompanied by Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov), Secretary of the Department for External Church Relations for Inter-Christian Relations.

Upon their arrival, Metropolitan Isidor of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh warmly welcomed the guests at the Smolensk Diocesan Administration. Metropolitan Isidor shared the recent history of the Smolensk diocese, closely linked to the work of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Rus’, who led it for 25 years. The Indian hierarchs had the opportunity to learn about the results of His Holiness’ efforts in Smolensk, including the restoration of temples, monasteries, and various social services.

During their meeting, representatives of the Malankara Church expressed support for Metropolitan Jonathan of Tulchin and Bratslav.

Subsequently, the Indian delegation visited the Smolensk Holy Assumption Cathedral, where they were welcomed by the cathedral’s rector, Priest Vladislav Bagan, and the dean, Archpriest Grigory Trubin. The Indian hierarchs had the chance to venerate the revered image of the miraculous Smolensk Icon of the Mother of God “Hodegetria” and other sacred items. Father Gregory also shared the story of one of the heavenly patrons of the city, the martyr Mercury.

The delegation from the Church of the Apostle Thomas visited the Orthodox orphanage situated on the Cathedral Hill, established by the current Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Head of the Department of Social Service and Church Charity of the Smolensk Diocese, Priest Dionysius Davydov, accompanied the Malankara Church delegation. The visitors engaged in conversations with teachers and pupils of the orphanage, who discussed its activities. In return, the guests shared their experiences in organizing similar facilities for Indian Christians. The children presented handmade gifts to the Indian guests.

On the same day, the delegation visited the regional Orthodox center for the protection of family, motherhood, and childhood, “Smolensk Home for Mom.” They were greeted by the rector of the Church of the Archangel Michael, Archpriest Pavel Petrovsky, and the director of the “Smolensk Home for Mom,” T. S. Stepanova. The visitors were deeply impressed by this unique social institution operating under the auspices of the Russian Orthodox Church. The concept of creating “homes for mothers” also originated with His Holiness Patriarch Kirill and is successfully implemented throughout the Russian Church.

On September 1, Metropolitan Zachariah Nicholovos and Metropolitan Abraham Stephanos, along with Metropolitan Isidor of Smolensk and Dorogobuzh, visited the Smolensk Theological Seminary. There, they held a joint meeting with teachers and students. The Indian hierarchs shared insights into the lives of Christians in India and answered numerous questions regarding the history, current situation, and theology of the Malankara Church.

The guests also visited the site of the death and burial of the first martyrs of the Russian Orthodox Church, the holy princes Boris and Gleb, situated on the banks of the Dnieper, and paid their respects at the memorial cross erected there.

A significant part of the visit was dedicated to the Indian hierarchs’ visit to the Holy Trinity Boldin Monastery, the largest in the Smolensk region. They were warmly received by the monastery’s rector, Archimandrite Anthony (Mezentsov), and the monastic community. The guests venerated the holy relics of the great ascetic of the Smolensk land, the Monk Gerasim of Boldin. Father Anthony shared the monastery’s history, which was once devastated by Nazi invaders but has been painstakingly restored by the local residents since 1990, under the direct guidance and participation of Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, now His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Rus’.

Throughout the visit, the delegation was accompanied by the Secretary of the Smolensk Diocese, Priest Vladislav Bagan, and the rector of the Church of the Martyr Tatiana in Smolensk, Priest Dimitry Litvischenko.

Members of the Holy Synod of the Malankara Church, co-chairmen of the Working Group for Coordinating Bilateral Relations between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Church, Metropolitan Zachariah Nicholovos (Northeast American Diocese) and Metropolitan Abraham Stephanos (UK, Europe, and Africa Dioceses), are visiting Russia in preparation for the official visit of His Holiness Catholicos Marthoma Mathews the Third of the Malankara, scheduled to commence on September 3, 2023.

Source:

OCP News Service