Orthodox students’ house opened at University of Fribourg, Switzerland

On October 28, 2011, Metropolitan Hilarion, head of the Moscow Patriarchate’s department for external church relations, led a solemn ceremony of opening a house for Orthodox students at the University of Fribourg, Switzerland.

The event was attended by Archbishop Diego Causero, apostolic nuncio to Switzerland, Rev. Gwido Vergauwen, rector of the university, Prof. Mariono Delgado, dean of the faculty of theology, Ms. Barbara Hallensleben, professor of dogmatic theology, as well as professors and students of the university.

In the morning, a brief prayer was said. During breakfast, Metropolitan Hilarion told the participants about problems and prospects of Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and answered numerous questions. A possibility for establishing a parish of the Moscow Patriarchate was discussed as a meeting place for Orthodox students and the local community of Russian expatriates.

The day before, the DECR chairman read a lecture for theological students on Orthodox-Catholic dialogue and addressed the students of the department of Slavic Studies and students who came from Eastern Europe.

On the same day, Metropolitan Hilarion met with the rector of the university and the dean of the faculty of theology.

DECR Communication Service