A delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church has concluded its visit to Lebanon

From September 25 to 29, 2026, a delegation from the Russian Orthodox Church, led by Metropolitan Alexy of Chelyabinsk and Miass, paid an official visit to Lebanon. The trip took place with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and at the invitation of Metropolitan Nifon of Philippopolis, the representative of the Patriarch of Antioch to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, according to Romfea.gr.

During the visit, the delegation visited the dioceses of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Zahle and Beirut. In Beirut, a meeting was held with Metropolitan Elijah, which was also attended by Alexander Rudakov, the Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Lebanon. The parties discussed the current situation in the country and issues of ecclesiastical cooperation.

One of the key events of the trip was the solemn Divine Liturgy held on September 27 at the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God “Unexpected Joy” in the city of Zahle. The service was celebrated by Metropolitan Anthony of Zahle, Metropolitan Alexy of Chelyabinsk, and Metropolitan Nifon of Philippopolis. The service, which was conducted in Arabic and Church Slavonic, was attended by high-ranking officials, including Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Minassé.

In addition, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church held a series of meetings with the country’s government and religious leaders, including Maronite Patriarch Beshara Boutros al-Rai of Antioch and All the East and Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarik Mitri. Metropolitan Nifon of Philippopolis and Archimandrite Philip (Vasiltsev), the representative of the Patriarch of Moscow to the Patriarch of Antioch, accompanied the delegation throughout the trip.