The head of the Russian Orthodox Church's DECR met with Patriarch Theophilos of Jerusalem

Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk, Chairman of the Department for External Church Relations (DECR) of the Moscow Patriarchate, made a working visit to Israel with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. During the visit, Metropolitan Anthony met with His Beatitude Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City of Jerusalem and All Palestine, during which they discussed key issues of inter-Orthodox and international relations, as well as the situation in the Holy Land. The visit ended with a pilgrimage to the holy shrines of Jerusalem.

Metropolitan Anthony arrived in Israel in the evening of October 20, according to the Telegram channel of the Moscow Patriarchate’s DECR. He was accompanied on his trip by a representative delegation, including Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, advisor to the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Archimandrite Philaret (Bulekov) and Archpriest Igor Yakimchuk, deputy chairmen of the Russian Orthodox Church, and Priest Nikolai Vasin, secretary of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The next day, October 21, Vladyka Anthony and his entourage visited the Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Here they were received by His Beatitude Patriarch Theophilos III. The meeting was also attended by Archimandrite Vassian (Zmeyev), head of the Russian Spiritual Mission in Jerusalem, and representatives of the Patriarchate of Jerusalem: Archbishop Aristarchus of Constantine, Secretary General of the Holy Synod, and Patriarchal Archdeacon Mark (Henderson).

During the conversation, which took place in a warm atmosphere, the parties discussed the situation in the Holy Land, touched upon current issues of inter-Orthodox and international relations, as well as a wide range of issues of mutual interest to both Patriarchates.

On the same day, Metropolitan Anthony of Volokolamsk and members of his delegation made a pilgrimage to the holy shrines of the Holy City, honoring the most important Christian sites of Jerusalem.

Recall, earlier we reported that the Greek church media criticized Jerusalem Patriarch Theophilos. The reason was the disagreement between the head of the Jerusalem Church and Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople on a number of fundamental issues, including the recognition of the Ukrainian schism. Patriarch Theophilos was also reminded of the Amman Council, accusing him of excessive adherence to the Moscow Patriarchate.