The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church Met with a Hierarch of the Church of Greece in Moscow

On the evening of August 18, 2026, a solemn ceremony took place at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow: Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia received the reliquary containing the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous, which had been brought to Russia from the Greek island of Corfu. The delegation accompanying the relic was led by Metropolitan Nektarios of Kerkyra, Paxos, and the Diapontia Islands, with whom the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church held a meeting. This was reported by Orthodox Times.

As part of the visit, Patriarch Kirill presided over an All-Night Vigil on the eve of the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord, with the Greek delegation in attendance. The Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church emphasized the importance of joint prayer, noting that, despite linguistic differences, the faithful of the two countries are united by the Orthodox faith. According to the Patriarch, the Greek hierarch’s visit serves as a reminder of the need to preserve faith, unity of mind, and love in today’s challenging circumstances.

In addition to the official reception at the Cathedral, a working meeting took place between Metropolitan Nektarios and Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR). During the conversation, Metropolitan Anthony thanked the Greek guest for providing Russian believers with the opportunity to venerate one of the most revered Christian relics, which is usually kept on the island of Corfu.