A hierarch of the Church of Greece is accompanying the relics of St. Spyridon of Trimythous, which have been brought to Russia for veneration

Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu arrived in Russia, bringing with him one of the most revered relics in the Orthodox world—the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous—for the faithful to venerate. The relic was brought from the Greek island of Corfu on August 17, 2026, with the blessing of Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. This was reported by Orthodox Times.

The distinguished guest was met at the airport by Metropolitan Gregory of Voskresensk, a bishop of the Russian Orthodox Church. In his address on the occasion of the relic’s arrival, Patriarch Kirill emphasized that Saint Spyridon is one of the most revered saints in Russia, and that his presence is intended to provide spiritual support to the faithful and serve as a source of comfort in difficult times.

According to plans, the relic will visit 13 regions of Russia, and mass veneration by the faithful will begin on August 20. This visit is taking place against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in relations between the Moscow Patriarchate and the Church of Greece, which arose after the latter recognized the autocephaly of the Orthodox Church of Ukraine in 2019. Despite the absence of Eucharistic communion, the bringing of the relics of Saint Spyridon is viewed as an important event for church life and the strengthening of faith.