Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu: The Spiritual Bonds Among Orthodox Peoples Are Stronger Than Geopolitical Circumstances

Metropolitan Nektarios of Corfu, Paxos, and Diapontia issued an official statement regarding the recent pilgrimage of the right hand of Saint Spyridon of Trimythous to Russia, emphasizing that the spiritual bonds between Orthodox peoples cannot be severed as a result of current geopolitical events. The Metropolitan noted that the transfer of the holy relic was carried out with the full canonical blessing of the Holy Synod of the Greek Orthodox Church. This was reported by Zhivot Tsrkve.

In his address, Metropolitan Nektarios explained that the decision to make the trip was made so that Orthodox believers throughout Russia who are unable to visit Corfu could receive the saint’s blessing. The metropolitan emphasized that the moving sight of thousands of people patiently waiting in a prayerful line for the opportunity to venerate the relic served as confirmation of the righteousness of this mission. He recalled that the Greek Church has never severed communion with the Russian Orthodox Church, and that ecclesiastical canonicity remains a priority above short-term political issues.

This trip continues the long-standing tradition of bringing the right hand of St. Spyridon, which has previously visited many countries, including Serbia, Ukraine, Georgia, and the United States of America. The Metropolitan concluded that “the Church has been, is, and will remain the foundation of our shared journey,” recalling the historical ties dating back to 988, which, in his words, are too deep to be erased by transient political circumstances.