Malankara Orthodox Church Delegation Visits Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and Moscow Theological Academy
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DECR and OCP News Service – 12/03/2025
Moscow- Russia: A delegation from the Malankara Church, led by Metropolitan Yuhanon Demetrios of Delhi, visited the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and the Moscow Theological Academy on March 9, 2025, with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The visit aimed to deepen bilateral relations between the two churches.
The delegation attended the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great at the Pokrovsky Academic Church. Bishop Kirill of Sergiev Posad and Dmitrov, Abbot of the Lavra and Rector of the Academy, welcomed the guests, highlighting the historical ties between the churches, dating back to visits by Patriarch Pimen and Catholicos Basil Mar Thomas Matthews I in the 1970s.
Bishop Kirill emphasized the unique traditions of both churches and the potential for mutual learning, noting the Malankara Church’s interest in Russian icon painting and singing traditions. He also mentioned the recent graduation of a Malankara priest from the Academy’s church singing art faculty.
Metropolitan Yuhanon Demetrios conveyed greetings from HH. Catholicos Marthoma Matthew III and expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. He highlighted the efforts of Patriarch Kirill to strengthen practical cooperation between the churches and noted the ongoing theological dialogue, aimed at resolving terminological differences and affirming adherence to the Apostolic Tradition.
The delegation visited the Trinity Cathedral of the Lavra, venerating the relics of St. Sergius of Radonezh and the Holy Trinity icon by St. Andrei Rublev. They also toured the monastery and academy, including the Assumption and Refectory churches, the sacristy, and the icon-painting workshops.
During a meeting with Bishop Kirill, the delegation discussed future theological consultations and exchanged gifts. Metropolitan Yuhanon Demetrios also emphasized the strong relationship between Russia and India, expressing support for Russia during current global challenges. He expressed hope for increased cooperation in areas such as iconography, church hymns, and other aspects of church life, aiming to demonstrate their shared unity in Christ. The delegation was accompanied by Hieromonk Stefan (Igumnov) and Hieromonk Mark (Akhmatkhanov) from the Moscow Patriarchate’s Department for External Church Relations.
Source: DECR
