Patriarch Alexy meets with Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Zakynthos

His Holiness Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia met with Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Zakynthos (the Greek Orthodox Church) in his residence in Chistiy Pereulok on September 26, 2005. Metropolitan was accompanied by Monk Maxim from the Monastery of Simon Peter and iconographer Manolis Vasarmidis. Among the participants also were: L. Yezhov, Director of the ‘Russian Athos’ Society and DECR MP staff member S. Govorun.

Metropolitan Chrysostomos noted the striking changes that had recently happened in Russian church life and underscored the special role of Patriarch Alexy in the process of the country’s spiritual revival.

He also told about the shrines of the Metropolia of Zakynthos and numerous Russian pilgrims who came to the Island of Zakynthos to venerate them. The interlocutors noted that Orthodoxy faced various challenges in modern world and Local Churches should join their efforts to oppose them successfully.

Metropolitan Chrysostomos presented the icon of St. Pantileimon to the Patriarch and said that the same icon was given to the Russian President V. Putin during his visit to the Holy Mount Athos. His Holiness presented the holy panagia to Metropolitan Chrysostom and special gifts to other Greek guests.

Metropolitan Chrysostom and his retinue arrived in Moscow on September 24. They prayed at the Divine Liturgy in the Monastery of the Nativity of the Mother of God in Moscow celebrated by Patriarch Alexy on September 25. They leave Moscow for Greece on September 27.