Print This Post


A 60-member group of pilgrims from the Russian Orthodox Church arrived in Turkey on October 16, 2011. They are led by Bishop Tikhon of Podolsk, director of the Moscow Patriarchate’s financial and economic administration.

The itinerary of their pilgrimage to places believed to be the second homeland of the Christian Church has been developed by the Moscow Patriarchate’s Pilgrimage Center with the blessing of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia.

The group began its pilgrimage with a visit to the Patriarchate of Constantinople. After the Divine Liturgy celebrated at St. George’s at Fanar, they were received in audience by His Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople.

Addressing the pilgrims, the Primate of the Church of Constantinople said in particular, ‘You have received a valedictory for this journey from two Patriarchs – a blessing from His Holiness Kirill and me. It means your journey will be a success. I always look forwards to receiving Russian pilgrims both in Constantinople and Asia Minor. The greatest Fathers of the Church lived and worked here. You yourselves will be able to feel the grace of these places in the next days you will spend in this land’.

DECR Communication Service