Russian Federation Honors Primate of Malankara Orthodox Church

DECR – OCP News Service – 13/12/2024

New Delhi – India: His Holiness Catholicos Mar Thomas Matthew the III, the Primate of the Malankara Orthodox Church in India, was awarded the Order of Friendship by the Russian Federation on December 12,2024. The prestigious award was presented by the Russian Ambassador to India, D.E. Alipov, on behalf of the Russian President.

The ceremony, held at the Russian Embassy in New Delhi, was attended by dignitaries from both India and Russia, including church leaders, government officials, and diplomats.

Ambassador Alipov praised the Catholicos for his significant contributions to strengthening ties between India and Russia, emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church. He also acknowledged the Catholicos’ efforts in social service and his commitment to promoting Orthodoxy in India and beyond.

In his acceptance speech, the Catholicos expressed gratitude to the Russian President and recalled his time studying at the Leningrad Theological Academy. He paid tribute to Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and Metropolitan Nikodim (Rotov) for their role in educating Indian students in Russian theological institutions.

The Catholicos highlighted the growing cooperation between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Malankara Orthodox Church, citing recent initiatives such as joint healthcare projects and cultural exchanges, including a recent concert by the United Choir of the Holy Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius and the Moscow Theological Academy in India.

Source:

OCP News Service