Moscow Patriarchate delegation attends celebrations devoted to the Primate of the Church of Constantinople’s name-day

13.06.2011

The celebrations on the occasion of His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople’s name-day took place on June 10, in Istanbul. With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, the celebrations were attended by a Russian Orthodox Church delegation led by Bishop Tikhon of Podolsk, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s financial and economic office. Bishop Tikhon was accompanied by Mr. S. Tsyupko of the Foundation for Building Churches in Moscow, Sister Sergia (Klyueva), assistant to the head of the financial and economic office, and Mr. S. Safronov, a legal assistant.

Upon their arrival in Istanbul on June 9, the Russian guests worshipped at the Monastery of the Our Lady the Life-Giving Source at Valukli, where Patriarchs of Constantinople are buried. After the service, His Holiness Bartholomew said the litiya for the dead at the grave of his predecessor, Patriarch Demetrios of eternal memory.

On the following day, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated at St. George’s at Fanar. After the solemn service, Metropolitan Athanasios of Chalcedon offered congratulations to the head of the Church of Constantinople on behalf of the clergy and laity of the Church. Bishop Tikhon read out a congratulatory message from Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russian and presented Patriarch Bartholomew with a pectoral icon with a commemorative inscription and liturgical vessels.
Patriarch Bartholomew thanked him for the congratulations and asked to convey cordial greetings and brotherly embrace to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church.

On June 11, the Russian Orthodox delegation, on the invitation of Patriarch Bartholomew, visited the theological school of Halki.

DECR Communication Service

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