OCP Delegation Visits Russian Orthodox Community in Arabian Gulf

OCP News Service – 9/10/17

Sharjah-United Arab Emirates – With the blessings of Rt Rev Chorbishop Dr Kyrikoase Thottupuram of Chicago, a delegation (George Alexander – Secretary, Prakash Varghese – Delegate of Gulf, Levant and All Middle East, Monu Phillip – Special Envoy of the Secretariat and Nisha Varghese – OCP Associate in Gulf) of Orthodoxy Cognate PAGE Pan-Orthodox Society  visited the St. Phillips Russian Orthodox Church in the Emirates of Sharjah.

Fr David Osipov cordially received OCP delegation and explained the history of the church. He took the delegation for a tour inside Church and then to the Russian cultural center. Fr Osipov and the delegation discussed various topics including the current Pan-Orthodox scenario. As a token of love, the delegation presented Fr Osipov with the order of three saints, a traditional Christian Lamp (Nilavillaku) and an international copy of the book’ The Orthodox Dilemma’.

The visit was coordinated and arranged by Monu John Phillip.

Consecrated in 2011, St Phillips Russian Orthodox Cathedral serves Russian, Romanian, Greek and other Eastern Orthodox expatriates in the United Arab Emirates. Apart from UAE, the Russian Orthodox Church has communities in Oman and other GCC counties. They also have a fairly strong presence in Tehran. Fr Alexander is the Chief Vicar of the Cathedral and Fr David is the Auxiliary Vicar. The Cultural center runs several programs for the wholesome development of the Russian community. They run Russian language programs, Orthodox Christian catechism classes, Bible studies, technical classes etc

His Highness Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi (Sheikh Sultan III ) – the Ruler of the Emirate of Sharjah donated the land for building the Cathedral. His Highness has taken special care of the Russian Orthodox Community. The Cathedral, the cultural center, and their premises are given special protection by the local police community.

Photos – Vipin George 

Source:
OCP News Service