Moscow Patriarchate delegation participates in celebrations on Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople’s Name Day
His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople celebrates his Name Day on June 11.
With the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, a delegation of the Russian Orthodox Church arrived in Istanbul on June 10, 2010, for the celebrations. It was led by Archbishop Mark of Yegoryevsk, Moscow Patriarchate secretary for institutions abroad. The delegation included Abbess Feofania of the Convent of the Intercession in Moscow with sisters and A. Shumkin of the secretariat for institutions abroad.
On the same day the delegation attended All-Night Vigil at the Valukli Monastery of Our Lady, His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew officiated. After that they attended the reception on the occasion of the Patriarchal Name Day, during which the sisters from the Convent of the Intercession sang several hymns.
On June 11, the Russian Orthodox delegation participated in the Divine Liturgy celebrated at St. George’s Patriarchal Cathedral in Fanar. After the service Archbishop Mark read out a message of greetings from His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia. The archbishop handed over to Patriarch Bartholomew a gift from Patriarch Kirill, a chest with a part of the relics of Blessed Matrona of Moscow and a patriarchal crozier.
Patriarch Bartholomew expressed thanks for the message and gifts and mentioned his recent visit to the Russian Orthodox Church, emphasizing that the visit opened a new page in relations between Patriarchates of Moscow and Constantinople.
DECR Communication Service
Photos by Nicolaos Manginas