His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia visits the diocese of Khabarovsk

HIS HOLINESS PATRIARCH ALEXY II OF MOSCOW AND ALL RUSSIA VISITS THE DIOCESE OF KHABAROVSK

On May 19, after the official visit of the Russian Orthodox Church delegation to the Japanese Autonomous Orthodox Church was completed, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia and his retinue arrived in Khabarovsk.

The primate of the Russian Orthodox Church was accompanied during his visit to Japan by Metropolitan Kirill of Smolensk and Kaliningrad, chairman of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate, Bishop Veniamin of Vladivostok and Primorye, Archimandrite Feognost, father superior of St. Sergius’ monastery of the Holy Trinity, and other officials.

At the airport in Khabarovsk, His Holiness and his delegation were met by Bishop Mark of Khabarovsk and Priamurye, Khabarovsk regional governor V. Ishaev, clergy and faithful, as well as representatives of the public. Guards of honour representing three military forces lined up at the airfield.

The primatial visit began with coming to the Cathedral of the Nativity of Christ where a thanksgiving was conducted. At the end of the service, His Holiness addressed the ruling bishop and the parishioners. Then His Holiness the Patriarch visited a Sunday school and the diocesan office.

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy and his retinue went to Bolshoy Ussurijsky Island close to the Chinese border lying along the Ussuri River. The regional frontier guards chief, Gen. Col. A. Golbach, took His Holiness and his delegation to a recently-erected chapel dedicated to Martyr Victor. The chapel symbolizes Russia’s presence in this frontier area. His Holiness said a prayer for the repose of the souls of soldiers who died in action in the Far East.

Upon his return to Khabarovsk His Holiness visited the newly-built House of Veterans.

On May 20, Patriarch Alexy, assisted by Metropolitan Kirill, Bishop Veniamin and Bishop Mark, celebrated the Divine Liturgy on the spot where the Cathedral of the Dormition used to stand in the city’s central square. After the service His Holiness addressed the worshippers and gave to Bishop Mark an Icon of Our Lady the Sign and a pectoral icon.

Then the primate of the Russian Orthodox Church laid a wreath at the memorial in the Square of Glory. «Eternal Memory» to those who fell was sung.

His Holiness also laid flowers at the monument to Count Muravyev of the Amur, who was the governor general of the region. Then the Patriarch saw the exposition of the Far East Fine Arts Museum and left a note in its guest book.

Later that day His Holiness Alexy visited the church of St. Innocent of Irkutsk and said a thanksgiving in it.

In conclusion of his visit His Holiness blessed the foundation stone of the church of the Holy Martyr Princess Elizabeth, which will be built near the rail-way hospital in Khabarovsk. The decision to build what will be the largest church in the city was made together by the diocesan office, the municipal authorities, the Far East Rail-Way and the hospital. His Holiness blessed the foundation stone and gave his primatial blessing to those who are engage in this noble cause.

Before leaving for Moscow, His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia held a press-conference at the Khabarovsk airport.