Patriarch Theofilus of Jerusalem visits the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem

On 25 February 2006, Primate of the Church of Jerusalem visited the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem first time in the last five years. Patriarch Theofilus III of the Holy City and All Palestine visited the Russian Mission with Metropolitan Hesychios of Kapitolias, Archbishop Dorotheos of Avilon, and Archimandrites Galaktion and Jeronim.

Among those who met the high guests were Archimandrite Elisei with clergymen, hegumenia Georgia with sisters of the Gorny Convent, diplomats and heads of the Embassies of Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, Moldova and Greece, pilgrims and parishioners of the Mission. His Beatitude officiated a prayer service to St. Alexy, Metropolitan of Moscow, in the Church of St. Alexandra.

In his congratulatory word to the Primate of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Theofilus wished Patriarch Alexy God’s help in his primatial ministry. He also underscored the important role of the Moscow Patriarchate in consolidating peace and Orthodox unity.

After prayer service, Archimandrite Elisei organized festival dinner for His Beatitude Theofilus and representatives of the Embassies of Orthodox countries. Among those who congratulated His Holiness Patriarch Alexy were Ambassadors of Russia, Ukraine, Byelorussia, Moldova, and Greece. Sisters of the Gorny Convent sang Russian church hymns and folk songs.

• Patriarch Theofilus of Jerusalem visits the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem
• Celebration of the Nameday of His Holiness Patriarch Alexy of Moscow and All Russia in Christ the Saviour Cathedral
• Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates Patriarch Alexy II of Moscow and All Russia on his nameday
• Russian President Vladimir Putin congratulates His Holiness Patriarch Alexy on his birthday and nameday