Russian Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia Visited Myanmar

DECR – OCP News Service – 28/10/2023

Moscow- Russia: On October 18-21, during an archpastoral visit to the Thai diocese, the Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia, Metropolitan Sergius of Singapore and Southeast Asia, temporary administrator of the Thai diocese, visited the city of Yangon (Republic of the Union of Myanmar).

On October 19, Metropolitan Sergius met with the mayor of Yangon Bo Thay. During the constructive conversation, the parties touched upon a wide range of topics, including the prospects for interreligious cooperation and the pastoral care of the Exarchate for Orthodox believers in Myanmar.

The next day, a meeting took place between the Patriarchal Exarch of Southeast Asia and the Deputy Minister of Religious and Cultural Affairs of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Ei Tun. The interlocutors discussed issues of church life of Orthodox believers in the country.

On October 21, the archpastor celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the territory of the Russian Embassy in Yangon. Among those gathered for the service were Russian Ambassador to Myanmar I.K. Azizov, Chargé d’Affaires of the Republic of Serbia in the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Gordana Jaksic, employees of the Russian diplomatic mission and Orthodox compatriots living in the country. At the end of the service, Bishop Sergius addressed those present with an archpastoral word. The hierarch’s communication with the believers continued over tea.

According to the Exarchate website, on his trip to Myanmar, Metropolitan Sergius of Singapore and Southeast Asia was accompanied by the vicar of the Singapore diocese, Bishop of Jakarta Pitirim, and the secretary of the Thai diocese, Archimandrite Oleg (Cherepanin).

Source:

OCP News Service