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On 6 December 2009, Archbishop Hilarion of Volokolamsk, chairman of the Moscow Patriarchate Department for External Church Relations, arrived in Voronezh with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia to take part in the translation of the relics of St. Metrophanes of Voronezh to the restored Cathedral of the Annunciation.
Archbishop Hilarion was met at the railway station by Metropolitan Sergy of Voronezh and Borisoglebsk. The hierarchs proceed to the Cathedral of the Annunciation and celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the restored church.

Concelebrating were Archbishops Alexander of Kostroma and Galich, Ioann of Belgorod and Stary Oskol, Panteleimon of Orel and Livny, Iustinian of Tiraspol and Dubossary, Bishop Nikon of Lipetsk and Yelets, and clergymen of the Voronezh diocese.

The Governor of the Voronezh region A. Gordeyev, chairman of the Voronezh Regional Duma V. Klyuchnikov, Voronezh Mayor S. Koliukh, chairman of the Voronezh City Duma A. Shipulin, and other representatives of the authorities and public circles prayed at the divine service.

After the Divine Liturgy the hierarchs celebrated a festive prayer service in front of the relics of St. Metrophanes of Voronezh, St. Tikhon of Zadonsk, and hieromartyr Pyotr of Voronezh.

Archbishop Hilarion read out a congratulatory address of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia and greeted Metropolitan Sergy, Governor Gordeyev and all those present with the remarkable event, saying, “Voronezh is celebrating a great event, as its major holy place, the spiritual centre and symbol of the city has been restored. The Cathedral of the Annunciation has been built anew by the labours and through the prayers of the residents and gives an example of cooperation between the secular and church authorities.”

‘The Cathedral is the heart of the city. I have visited many countries of the world and seen majestic and unique cathedrals in the centre of all old European cities. Notre Dame de Paris or the Cathedral of St. Stephan in Vienna are the symbols of these capitals and their major holy places, – Archbishop Hilarion said further. –The Cathedral of the Annunciation in Voronezh is the heart of the city and its spiritual centre, where prayers would be offered up for people living here.”

Archbishop Hilarion presented Metropolitan Sergy with a panagia.

The Governor of the Voronezh region A. Gordeyev underscored that having restored the Cathedral, we have revived the centre of the spiritual life in Voronezh, thus bringing repentance for our sins and the sins of our fathers and grandfathers.”

Metropolitan Sergy noted with appreciation His Holiness Patriarch Kirill’s attention and paternal love to the Voronezh region residents and thanked all those who have worked for the building of the Cathedral. Addressing Archbishop Hilarion, he said: “Your profound faith and principle position in witnessing the Orthodox truth are well known, and your theological works and translations bring honour to our Church.” Metropolitan Sergy presented Archbishop Hilarion with a panagia and a cross and wished him intercession of the Voronezh saints Metrophanes, Tikhon and Pyotr in his responsible ministry.