Metropolitan Nektarios: The visit to Russia took place with the blessing of the Primate and the Synod of the Church of Greece

Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos, and the Diapontia Islands issued an official statement following the conclusion of the pilgrimage bringing the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous to Russia. His Eminence emphasized that this initiative was undertaken exclusively for pastoral purposes—to provide spiritual support to Orthodox believers who are unable to visit Corfu. This was reported by Romfea.gr.

In his statement, Metropolitan Nektarios explained the canonical aspects of the matter in detail, noting that the relic was brought with the full blessing and written permission of the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church and personally from Archbishop Jerome of Athens. The Metropolitan emphasized that similar trips with a fragment of the saint’s relics had taken place previously, including visits to the United States, Ukraine, Serbia, and other countries.

Responding to questions about the geopolitical context of the visit, Metropolitan Nektarios called for a distinction to be made between church life and the current political situation. He recalled that the Church of Greece has not severed Eucharistic communion with the Russian Orthodox Church; therefore, participation in joint divine services with Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia was canonically justified. “The Church has been, is, and will remain the foundation of our common path and unity,” the bishop stated, expressing hope that a shared faith in Christ would help overcome any disagreements.

In concluding his report, His Grace shared his impressions of the meeting with Russian believers, noting their sincere faith, patience, and reverence as they venerated the holy site. According to him, the experience of this pilgrimage confirmed the importance of preserving the spiritual bonds that have united Orthodox peoples for centuries.