Secretary of the Moscow Patriarchate representation in USA meets with director of the State Department office of international religious freedom

Archpriest Alexander Abramov, secretary of the Moscow Patriarchate representation in the USA, met on June 21, 2007, with John Hanford, director of the office of international religious freedom, at the USA Department of State. They discussed religious situation in Russia and the State Department’s annual report on religious freedom in various countries in the world.

Father Alexander informed Mr. Hanford about the international activities of the Russian Orthodox Church including its peacemaking efforts and participation in interreligious dialogue. He set forth the position taken by the Moscow Patriarchate on state-church relations and church participation in the life of society in today’s Russia.

They agreed to continue the exchange of information and opinions between the Moscow Patriarchate representation in the USA and the US Department of State.

DECR Communication Service

• Secretary of the Moscow Patriarchate representation in USA meets with director of the State Department office of international religious freedom